The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) has officially opened applications for the 7th Edition of the NICArb Annual Essay Competition 2026, inviting students, researchers, legal professionals, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) enthusiasts to showcase their research and writing skills.
The competition provides participants with an opportunity to contribute innovative ideas that can improve dispute resolution systems while competing for cash prizes of up to ₦500,000.
If you have an interest in arbitration, mediation, negotiation, or dispute resolution, this is an excellent opportunity to gain national recognition, strengthen your academic profile, and have your work published.
7th Edition of the NICArb Annual Essay Competition 2026
About the NICArb Annual Essay Competition
The NICArb Annual Essay Competition is organized by the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) to encourage research, critical thinking, and innovative ideas in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The competition challenges participants to develop practical and forward-thinking solutions to contemporary issues affecting arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms.
In addition to cash prizes, the competition offers participants an opportunity to contribute to conversations shaping the future of ADR in Nigeria and beyond.
Essay Topic
Participants are required to write on the following topic:
“Designing the Next Generation of ADR Systems for the Twenty-First Century: Encouraging Innovative Proposals for Improving Accessibility, Efficiency, and Fairness in Dispute Resolution.”
Applicants are expected to submit original, well-researched essays that provide practical recommendations for improving Alternative Dispute Resolution systems.
Prizes
Successful participants will receive the following cash prizes:
🥇 First Prize: ₦500,000
🥈 Second Prize: ₦300,000
🥉 Third Prize: ₦200,000
In addition to the cash awards, the winning essay will be published in the Journal of Arbitration, providing valuable academic and professional recognition.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to:
- Students
- Researchers
- Legal practitioners
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners
- Individuals with an interest in arbitration and dispute resolution
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the competition, applicants must:
- Submit an original and unpublished essay.
- Ensure the essay complies with all competition guidelines.
- Not be a previous winner of the NICArb Annual Essay Competition.
- Submit their entry before the application deadline.
Entries that fail to comply with the stated requirements may be disqualified.
Essay Guidelines
Applicants should ensure their essays meet the following requirements:
- Font: Arial
- Font Size: 12 (Footnotes: Size 10)
- Citation Style: OSCOLA (Oxford Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities)
- Word Count: 5,000–10,000 words (including footnotes)
- Line Spacing: 1.5
Following these guidelines is essential, as submissions that do not meet the required format may not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
Participating in the NICArb Annual Essay Competition offers several benefits, including:
- An opportunity to win up to ₦500,000.
- National recognition from the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators.
- Publication of the winning essay in the Journal of Arbitration.
- A chance to strengthen your research, legal writing, and analytical skills.
- An opportunity to contribute ideas that could influence the future of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Whether you are a law student, researcher, legal practitioner, or ADR enthusiast, this competition provides an excellent platform to showcase your knowledge and expertise.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their essays via email to:
research@nicarb.org
Before submitting your entry, carefully review the competition guidelines to ensure your essay meets all formatting and eligibility requirements.
Application Deadline
31 August 2026
Late submissions may not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their essays well before the deadline.
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The NICArb Annual Essay Competition 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students, researchers, legal professionals, and ADR practitioners to demonstrate their research and writing abilities while competing for attractive cash prizes.
Beyond the financial rewards, participants have the opportunity to contribute meaningful ideas that can improve dispute resolution systems and gain recNICArb Annual Essay Competition 2026ognition within Nigeria’s legal and arbitration community.
If you have a passion for arbitration, mediation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, this is a competition worth considering.
We wish all applicants the very best in their submissions.
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