TOCI / INCDS Climate Awareness Competition: Content Writing

The Climate Awareness Competition is part of the outcomes of the Pulitzer ISF Africa 2024 Programme, implemented by The Olympus Consciousness Initiative (TOCI) in collaboration with the Institute of Nigeria-China Development Studies (INCDS), University of Lagos and with the support of the Pulitzer Center. This initiative aims to promote innovative approaches to climate action and foster impactful engagement within the University of Lagos community. The competition is a direct result of the Climate Change Workshop held on December 12, 2024. The workshop underscored the need for increased climate literacy and local action, which this competition seeks to amplify through creative engagement and thought leadership.

In this category of the competition, participants are encouraged to showcase their creativity and critical thinking by crafting compelling written content that highlights key climate issues, inspires action, and contributes to building a sustainable future. Below are the detailed terms and conditions for participation.

Eligibility

1. The competition is open to students, staff, and faculty members of the University of Lagos.
2. All submissions must be original works created solely by the participant. Collaborative submissions are allowed but must be declared as the work of a Team.

Competition Guidelines

1. Theme: Submissions must align with the theme of climate awareness, addressing either local or global climate issues while proposing actionable solutions or insights.
2. Word Count: Entries should be between 800 and 1,500 words.
3. Format: Submissions must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format, written in Times New Roman, 12-point font, with 1.5 line spacing.
4. Language: All content must be written in English, with clear and concise language accessible to a broad audience.
5. Deadline: Submissions must be sent by email to climatechangestories@toci.ng with the subject [Content Writing – Participant / Team Name] on or before 15th January 2024, 11:59PM (WAT). Late submissions will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance to Theme: How effectively the content addresses climate awareness and aligns with the objectives of the Pulitzer ISF Africa 2024 Programme.
2. Originality: Creativity and uniqueness of ideas presented in the writing.
3. Impact: The ability of the content to inspire, educate, and motivate action on climate issues.
4. Clarity: Quality of writing, including grammar, structure, and coherence.
5. Actionability: Practicality and feasibility of solutions or insights offered in the content.

Awards and Prizes

1. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of ₦50,000 and a certificate of recognition.
2. Winning entries will be featured on the Climate Awareness Network, amplifying their reach and impact.

Submission Process

1. Participants must submit their entries by email to climatechangestories@toci.ng with the subject [Content Writing – Participant / Team Name] on or before 15th January 2024, 11:59PM (WAT). Late submissions will not be considered
2. Each submission should include the [participant/team]’s name, department or faculty, and contact information.

General Terms and Conditions

1. By submitting an entry, participants agree to grant TOCI and INCDS permission to use, reproduce, and distribute the content for non-commercial purposes, with proper credit to the author.
2. Plagiarism and AI-generated content is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification. Submissions will undergo plagiarism checks.
3. The decisions of the judges are final and cannot be appealed.
4. The organizers reserve the right to make minor edits to winning entries before publication.
5. Participation constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
6. For inquiries or further details, please email opeyemi.alaran@toci.ng

Join us in leveraging the power of words to drive awareness, inspire change, and promote sustainable solutions for our planet!