Call for Abstracts: Young Historians National Undergraduate History Competition and Symposium 2026

Undergraduate History students in Nigerian universities have a fresh opportunity to get their research published, win cash prizes, and present at a national symposium — but the window is tight, so read on and act fast.

The Young Historians Initiative for Historical Education, in partnership with IFRA-Nigeria, has opened a Call for Abstracts for the Young Historians National Undergraduate History Competition and Symposium.

What Is It For?

The competition invites undergraduate History students to critically engage with one of Nigeria's most pressing challenges through the lens of historical scholarship. This year's theme is:

"Historical Perspectives on Insecurity and Insurgency in Nigeria."

With Nigeria currently confronting deepening insecurity — insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence — the call challenges students to interrogate an important historical question: to what extent are these challenges new, and to what extent do they reflect recurring patterns in Nigeria's past? It's an invitation to move beyond the headlines and situate today's crises within a longer historical arc.

Who Is It For?

The call is open to undergraduate History students in Nigerian universities.

Cash Prizes

1st Prize: ₦100,000 (₦50,000 Competition Prize + ₦50,000 Kingsley Ezeuwa Prize)

2nd Prize: ₦50,000

3rd Prize: ₦30,000

Consolation prizes are also available for 4th and 5th place.

There's also a publication opportunity, with top-performing entries earmarked for wider dissemination as part of the symposium.

Abstract Format

Submit in Microsoft Word (.docx)

Times New Roman, font size 12

1.5 line spacing

200 words, outlining your proposed research topic

Deadline for Submission

The competition timeline runs from 3rd to 25th August, 2026 — meaning the abstract submission window closes very soon. If you're an eligible undergraduate History student, don't sit on this one; get your 200-word abstract ready and in as quickly as possible.

How to Apply

Submit your abstract via the official Young Historians portal:

https://www.younghistorian.org/

A note of transparency: this post is based on the official call-for-abstracts flyer circulated by the Young Historians Initiative and IFRA-Nigeria. Some details — such as the full publication terms and the symposium date itself — were only partially visible on the flyer. Prospective applicants should confirm final details directly on the application portal or the organisers' official Instagram page before submitting.