Innovating The Future

The annual essay competition is SystemSpecs’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiative for primary and secondary school students enrolled in schools across Nigeria, and it is designed to facilitate capacity development in the ICT sector.  

The essay competition introduced in 2020 has inspired participation from about 12,000 students and 5000 schools across all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT. This edition is taking on a more interesting dimension by rewarding outstanding children in the junior and senior categories with cash prizes and other gift items.

 

The overall best students in the junior and senior category will receive prize money of N1,000,000; 2nd Prize – N750,000; while 3rd Prize – N500,000.  Bukola Adeboye, Group Head, Corporate Services, SystemSpecs, said that the competition was open to all states in Nigeria. “In February 2024, the submission portal was declared open to eligible pupils and students enrolled in primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, both public and private, with the task to write on the topic: Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology”.  

 

The children must, however, be between the ages of 9 to 12 (Junior category) and 13 to 16 (Senior category).  “We received all entries directly on the submission portal,” Bukola stated, adding that she anticipates the result this year, as the firm looks forward to celebrating the 2024 tech stars.   “This edition’s topic was carefully selected because SystemSpecs, as a technology powerhouse, recognizes the importance of online safety and the contribution of parents, guardians, and teachers in reinforcing digital resilience for children,” she added. 

 

Also on the initiative, Henry Eguabor, Head of Brands and Marketing, SystemSpecs, stressed that it was borne out of the firm’s passion for contributing to the growing technology advancement in Nigeria, with the belief that the competition will encourage children to solve problems and inspire them to drive meaningful change.   

 

In the coming weeks, a selected number of judges will evaluate the most outstanding entries to become the eventual beneficiaries of the 2024 prizes.  Beyond the essay contest, SystemSpecs is a strong advocate for educational projects and has been instrumental in the success of various CSR initiatives in Nigeria, geared towards ensuring brighter opportunities for the Nigerian child.   

 

The Children’s Day Essay Competition seeks to introduce young people from all backgrounds, under-represented demographics and remote communities to sharpen their writing skills, develop digital literacy skills, and build advocacy for national transformation.   Through SystemSpecs’ consistent effort, the CDEC contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education in the 36 states and the FCT and aims to empower more young Nigerians through the national development initiative in the coming years.  

SystemSpecs CDEC Alumni Speaks:   18-Year-Old Uchenna Reflects on How SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition Helped Develop Her Confidence to Excel  “SystemSpecs gave me a platform to express my talent better, as it was the first essay  writing competition, I participated in, and I won”.   Uchenna is an exceptional young girl who, at the tender age of 15, won the first position in the highly competitive SystemSpecs Children’s Day essay competition in 2021. Today, at 18 years old, she continues to excel and impress with her writing skills. Her journey with SystemSpecs began with our competition, and she has since gone on to participate in several other exciting competitions and activities.  In this post, Uche shares how her experience with the SystemSpecs Children’s Day essay competition three years ago has impacted her life. She talks about the rigorous process involved in writing and submitting her essay, as well as the thrill of winning the competition. She also discusses how her journey with SystemSpecs has helped her grow as a writer with a strong interest in a tech career.  Uche’s story is a shining example of how SystemSpecs is positively impacting the lives of young people through the annual Children’s Day Essay Competition.  

1. Introduce yourself

My name is Uchenna Rita Ohiaeri. I am 18 years old and a graduate of Queensland Academy, Okota, Lagos. I participated in the SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition in 2021.  

2. What was your overall SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition experience? What did it teach you?  

I thought it was going to be very challenging after looking at the number of words, and realizing that I had to perform a lot of research to produce an excellent work,  but I was determined to write and submit the essay, so I dedicated two days to it, and to my surprise, I was able to finish it. It taught me that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to achieve.    

3. What changes did you observe about yourself after the competition and how have the lessons from the experience shaped you?  

It was the first writing competition I had ever participated in, and I won. It made me more  self-confident, and I participated in more writing competitions after that, bringing more  wins to my name.   x

4. Why did you choose to participate? 

My secondary school put up posters about the competition, and apart from the very  attractive prizes that were available to be won, I have always loved writing, so I thought  to myself; “Why not just give this a shot?”   

5. As a technology company, what are your thoughts on how SystemSpecs is inspiring tech stars through essay writing? 

The essay topic for the year I participated in was: BUILDING A MORE SECURE  NIGERIA THROUGH TECHNOLOGY. They gave young tech stars like me the ability to  think outside the box, to proffer solutions to problems using technology. It helps us realize that the solutions to Nigeria’s problems can come from us if only we can think  divergently.   Also, after taking a look at this year’s essay topic, I was overjoyed because young tech stars and writers can research on how the the Internet can become a safe space for themselves and other children. I was also glad  because I believe that some of these children will implement these solutions in their use of online technology, and not fall victim to the hands of cyber bullies, scammers, and other dangers.   

6. What were the most positive aspects of your time with us? i.e. fond memories you would like to share?  

SystemSpecs made sure they kept to their word. For a whole year, I received data from them every month, and I didn’t even have to remind them. I remember Aunty Lucy would  always call to confirm if I had received my monthly data. I made sure the data didn’t go to waste. I dedicated a good percentage of it to my projects and assignments. They invited me to attend the prize-giving event the year after I won, and I was glad to witness the great minds that Systemspecs celebrate each year.   

7. Who is your tech role model and why? 

My cousin, Nneoma Onuoha. I am currently an aspiring software engineer, and I admire a lot of successful men and women in tech, from Neal Mohan to John Obaro to Mark Zuckerberg, but being able to be around my cousin Nneoma and watch her do some  work opened my eyes to the sacrifices and diligence that people in tech showcase  behind the scenes before producing an amazing software, and having people think it took them nothing. I also hold high regard for my cousin Nneoma because she didn’t study any IT-related courses at the university, yet she was still able to learn and perfect her IT skills. I’ve also been able to learn some aspects of coding from her and I have discussed interning with her when I am free.  

8. What are your career aspirations? 

I desire to study software engineering at the university and use my skills to proffer solutions to environmental issues such as the greenhouse gas effect, plastic pollution, and many others.   

9. To what extent did the essay competition prepare you for your studies and or the career path you are currently pursuing?  

As a writer, I have always been very fond of technology, but after participating in the Children’s Day essay competition in 2021, I realized that technology is the future of the world. The essay competition made me aware of the fact that most of our problems can be solved using technology, which is why I desire to study software engineering.   

10. What has your experience in the essay competition taught you, as it pertains to national development in Nigeria?  

It made me realize that our country is behind in the tech industry, and the solutions to a  lot of issues facing us are already available to us, but issues like ignorance prevent the government and the citizens from implementing these technological solutions.   

11. In what ways do you believe technology can be used as a transformative tool?  

The insecurity facing Nigeria presently can be tackled using technology. The energy supply in Nigeria can be improved through technology. Technology can also be used in curtailing plastic pollution. In the health sector, technology can help make diagnosis and operations easier.    

12. What advice do you have for other students as they look for future careers, especially in technology? 

     

They are on the right track! Technology is everything, and everything is technology. All it takes is a little creativity here and there to create solutions to the issues facing the world, and remember, the successful people in tech are problem solvers.   

13. Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself that you feel is fun/important?  

SystemSpecs gave me a platform to express my talent better, as it was the first essay  writing competition, I participated in, and I won.  In 2022, I was awarded a bronze medal by the Commonwealth of Nations after participating in the Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition. Also, in 2022, I participated in a Maritime Writes program organized by the Maritime Writes Agency of Nigeria and I was taught how to write better stories, and the effects of climate change, plastic pollution, and the rising sea level on the earth and its inhabitants. After the program, we were tasked with writing books within a given period, and my book was one of the books the Agency selected to publish.    In 2023, after writing a STEM essay, I was selected alongside 39 other Africans to participate in an all-expense paid Engineering Leadership Program organized by Chevron and African Leadership Academy (ALA) which took place in South Africa. After the program, another competition was organized, and my team won the star prize.     In the same year, I was called back by the Maritime Writes Agency to give a keynote to the 2023 participants on the topic “My Maritime/Creative Writing Journey.” During summer break in 2023, I went back to my alma mater, May Day School, Isolo, to give back to the school. I volunteered to teach the pupils in year 4,5 and 6 creative writing and ICT, and I had an amazing time with the pupils. Also, I organized a creative writing competition for the pupils after the summer program, and I rewarded all the pupils for their progress in creative writing and gave the top 3 best essays extra rewards. I also desire to sometime visit my secondary school to give back to the school and impact the knowledge I’ve been able to further acquire on creative writing and tech to the students.   During my graduation in July 2023, I was awarded the “Ambassador of the School” plaque by my secondary school. I was able to meet lots of Africans from different African countries and explore Johannesburg, South Africa all because I was able to express my thoughts on paper. Also, I still use the laptop that I won from Systemspecs up until now. I have been able to use it to produce more and more pieces of writing and enhance my coding skills.     Watch Uchenna’s testimonial video in 2021 via this link

1. Introduce yourself

My name is Ekemini Keziah Effiong-Robert. I’m a 200-level student of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan. I participated in the SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition in 2022, ultimately emerging as the overall winner in the senior category.

2. What was your overall SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition Experience? What did it teach you?

Participating in the competition was challenging, yet interesting. It taught me that I could achieve anything I put my mind to.

3. What changes did you observe about yourself after the competition, and how have the lessons from the experience shaped you?

I started to believe that I was truly an exceptional writer. I went on to participate in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition in 2023, where I received a Gold Award for excellence in writing.

4. Why did you choose to participate?

I participated mostly because I was drawn to the rewards and prizes. A friend of mine- who I looked up to at the time encouraged me to write it as well

5. As a technology company, what are your thoughts on how SystemSpecs is inspiring  tech stars through essay writing?

SystemSpecs is breaking the stereotype that shrouds technical careers. It is proving that you do not have to be a programmer or software engineer to have a successful career in the tech space

6. What were the most positive aspects of your time with us? Any fond memories you would like to share?

Visiting SystemSpecs headquarters was an interesting experience for me. The beautiful water fountains, the inspirational and funny sayings on the wall, and the overall atmosphere were a delightful experience.

7. Who is your tech role model and why?

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook (now Meta) is my tech role model. I look up to him because he started the company when tech was not as prevalent as it is today, and has managed to keep his company relevant and strongly positioned in the market over the last two decades

8. What are your career aspirations?

I hope to become a medical doctor one day and perhaps write for a famous magazine or newspaper

9. To what extent did the essay competition prepare you for your studies and/or the career path you are currently pursuing?

The essay competition prepared me for the challenge of coming up against formidably intelligent peers in university. It also showed me the value of being meticulous and concise when completing an important task

10. What has your experience in the essay competition taught you, as it pertains to national development in Nigeria?

Off the top of my head, participating in the essay competition was a seamless process. From finding out relevant information to being announced as the winner, up to attending the awards ceremony and receiving the prizes, the entire operation was handled smoothly; I was extremely impressed with the quality of planning and execution. I think that if Nigeria operated just a bit like SystemSpecs, the country would be in a much better position today.

11. In what ways do you believe technology can be used as a transformative tool?

Technology transcends the physical barriers of space and time. The open access to information it provides means that everyone can learn anything they want to. The more information we can reach, the better we become as a society, and as a species. Technology provides that opportunity.

12. What advice do you have for other students as they look for future careers, especially in technology?

I would like to encourage anyone curious about working in tech to explore their options. There are a multitude of tech and tech-adjacent career paths, each of which is ripe with opportunities. They need not feel limited or restricted to just a handful

13. Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself that you feel is fun/important?

I think this might encourage someone out there: when I sent in my essay, at the last minute, I didn’t expect to hear back at all. I did not expect to be among the top 15 entries, and I did not at all expect to win. All this is to say that you should not be afraid to show yourself and to give yourself the best chance at success. Anything is possible; you just have to be ready to receive it

Sports is a powerful way to build strong connections and emotional well-being while fostering a sense of partnership. This underscores our participation in the Socialiga 5 Aside Corporate League Competition, creating a unique opportunity to unite our employees through football – one of the most popular sports worldwide.

At Remita, we interpret ‘team building’ as the principles and processes that improve the efficiency and performance of our team members, and enable us to reach a common goal. Perhaps, more importantly, we emphasise the need for exciting interactions between individuals.

Clad in our exotic jersey – a classic white top and short with a touch of orange, detailing SystemSpecs’ subsidiaries, the Specs Team has played in two fixtures since September 2023.

In our opening match, we took on Team Brass, losing the game to a score line of 4-0. Naturally, it felt disappointing, but we kept our spirits up and trained a little harder for a winning comeback.

On Saturday, October 21st, we took the lead against Team eBanqo at Landmark Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos. The preparation towards this second attempt was different, from the effort and energy put in by our Specs Team to the remarkable team support – our hopes could not be crashed!

The team rallied together, even more strategically, and although the game ended 1-0, the experience demonstrated the value of team spirit and the magic of hard work and preparedness. This time around, we scored an actual goal and our shouts of jubilation could not have been louder. 😊

Believe it or not, this is what games are about, possibly the most effective influence on our minds to be dejected one minute and yet be so optimistic the next.

While we are excited about our current feat, one fact remains as communicated in the wisdom of this quote by Jon Gordon: “It is not the team with the best players that win. It’s the players with the best team that wins”. Teamwork is everything. It is the spirit that drives possibilities, real connections and responsibilities to everyone’s joy and success.

In line with SystemSpec (our Group Company)  values, this exercise allows the diverse pairing of personalities to help athletes become adaptable, persistent, and patient. Football also teaches a sense of group and individual responsibility. This is an obvious one because we worked effectively together and made better decisions.

Being on a team with a dozen or more of your peers is an excellent way to recognise the individual talent each person brings to the table. As Socialiga provides athletes with a natural community, which incubates the perfect setting for team bonding – we commend their social support to corporate organisations, even as we all play our vital roles in shaping and empowering a formidable workforce in Nigeria.

With this initiative, participating athletes may be more willing to tackle bigger problems, working together and giving their best to implement solutions for societal impact! In the end, the opportunity to participate in team sports provides players and lovers of football valuable skills that will take them beyond the field, pitch, and court.

SystemSpecs employees are often referred to as “SpecsChampions” for a good reason because whatever the results may be in the upcoming fixtures, the team who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defences or the problems of modern-day society.