Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) Essay Competition 2026
The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) is pleased to invite entries for its 2026 Annual Essay Competition, a distinguished platform that encourages scholars, legal practitioners, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) enthusiasts to demonstrate their research, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
This year’s competition seeks to inspire innovative ideas that address the evolving role of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Nigeria and its contribution to effective commercial dispute resolution. Through this initiative, NICArb aims to promote academic excellence, stimulate meaningful discourse, and advance knowledge in arbitration, mediation, and other ADR mechanisms.
Essay 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.
Benefits of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) Essay Competition
Outstanding participants will be rewarded with the following cash prizes:
- First Prize: ₦500,000
- Second Prize: ₦300,000
- Third Prize: ₦200,000
In addition to the monetary awards, winners will gain recognition for their outstanding research and contribution to the advancement of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Nigeria.
Eligibility Criteria for the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) Essay Competition
To be eligible for the NICArb Annual Essay Competition, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be a student, aspiring arbitrator, or a young professional with one to two years of post-graduation experience.
- Previous winners of the NICArb Essay Competition are not eligible to apply.
The competition is open to individuals from the following fields:
- Law Students
- Legal Practitioners
- Academics
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Practitioners
- Corporate Counsel
Selection Process
Entries will be evaluated based on originality, relevance, depth of analysis, research quality, and the practicality of the proposed solutions.
Submission Guidelines
- Essays must be original, unpublished works and must not have been submitted for any previous competition.
- Essays should be between 3,000 and 5,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography.
- An abstract of 150–250 words must accompany each submission.
- Citations must follow either the OSCOLA or Bluebook referencing style.
- Submissions must be prepared in 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced.
- Essays should be submitted in PDF or DOCX format.
- By submitting an entry, applicants acknowledge that accepted essays may be considered for publication by the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb).
Required Application Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- A valid means of identification (National Identity Card, International Passport, or Student Identification Card).
- Proof of current academic enrolment or professional affiliation, as applicable.
How to Apply
For Submission send entries to: research@nicarb.org
For more Information, visit Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) webpage
Application Deadline
31st August 2026.
