An Ogun State Junior Secondary School 3 student, Maryam Idris, has clinched the Silver Award in the prestigious 2024 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC), one of the oldest international writing contests for schools globally.
Idris’ proud father, Mr. Idris Katib, hailed her achievement as a testament to the quality of education in Ogun State.
“This is the result of long-term investment in my daughter’s education and it reflects the excellence in education in Ogun State under Prince Dapo Abiodun’s leadership. This is the second time one of my daughters has won the Commonwealth Essay Award, and both received their education here,” Katib said.
He further emphasized the historical significance of Ogun State in Nigerian education, calling it the “cradle of Western education” in the country and expressing pride in his daughter and the state’s success.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, established in 1883 by the Royal Commonwealth Society, attracts entries from students around the world. Idris’ essay on the topic, “You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you),” earned her the Silver Award among over 34,000 participants worldwide.
The organizers of the competition commended Idris in their congratulatory message, stating, “We are delighted to inform you that your entry was given a Silver Award,” alongside a certificate signed by Dr. Linda Yueh, Executive Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and judges Femi Elufowoju and Caroline Haines.
Idris, described as an avid reader and dedicated writer, has represented her school in numerous competitions and consistently performed at the top of her class. With aspirations to study Computer Engineering, she hopes to secure a full scholarship to continue her education and looks forward to bringing more international honors to Ogun State in the future.
