The BOF Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Medical Students' Association's Standing Committee on Public Health, has held the award ceremony for its 2026 SDG 3 National Essay Competition, with a University of Benin student emerging as the winner.

The event brought together medical students, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders to discuss advancements in Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well being. This year's competition centred on the theme "SDG 3 and the Future of Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria: Can We Make It a Reality by 2030?" and challenged medical students across the country to analyse Nigeria's progress toward the goal and propose sustainable solutions to improve health outcomes for mothers and children over the next four years.

The ceremony opened with remarks from the moderator and Editor in Chief, Marvelous Obi Ochulor, who welcomed attendees and introduced guests. Confidence Osaro Chikere delivered the official welcome, outlining the programme's objectives and discussing the need to equip young healthcare professionals to advocate for better health outcomes through leadership, research, policy development, and innovation.

The founder of the BOF Foundation, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, addressed the audience on the history and mission of the organisation, speaking on its commitment to improving healthcare through mentorship, education, and youth development. He announced that the competition will become an annual fixture held on June 13, starting in 2027, with the next edition expanding to feature two categories, Health Policy and Technology. He also introduced the panel of judges for the next cycle, which will include Dr Danbuba Umar alongside other medical professionals.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the top three contestants of the 2026 competition. Esobavanwan David of the University of Benin secured first place, followed by Godswill Uzoechina of the University of Nigeria in second place, and Israel Feranmi of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in third place. The winners were recognised for their research, original arguments, and structural proposals addressing maternal and child healthcare challenges.

The panel of judges for next year's edition was also announced, comprising Dr Aramide Kolawole, Dr Ushakuma Anenga, Dr Edesiri Ighorodje, Dr Danbuba Umar, and Mr Awala Bemigho. Attendees and participants commended the platform for fostering evidence based thinking and academic engagement among Nigerian medical students.