A Hustlers’ Paradise Masquerading as a Nation
Challenge the proposition. Defend it. Qualify it. Above all, think independently.
The thinking behind the prize: Explore the Model Thinking book and free 72-page preview →
A provocative statement. An open question.
The 2027 Model Thinking Prize began with a phrase and the conversations it provoked.
A description of Nigeria as “a hustlers’ paradise masquerading as a nation” has struck a chord with people who have encountered it. The discussions it inspired prompted an offer of ₦1 million for an essay competition examining the proposition. The 2027 Model Thinking Prize brings that invitation to a wider audience.
A statement that resonates is not necessarily one that withstands scrutiny. This competition invites independent thinkers to examine the proposition, question its assumptions and reach conclusions of their own.
Entrants may defend the description, reject it or argue that it is only partly true. They are free to choose their approach, interpret the terms and draw on the evidence they consider relevant. A persuasive challenge to the proposition is as welcome as a persuasive defence.
The prize reflects Model Thinking’s commitment to examining how things work, questioning familiar explanations and testing ideas against evidence. It seeks independent thought, intellectual curiosity and arguments that give readers something worth considering afresh.
Explore the book that inspired the challenge.
The 2027 Model Thinking Prize is anchored in the Model Thinking reference book. Its central invitation is to look beyond familiar explanations, examine how things work, and test ideas against evidence — precisely what this essay competition asks entrants to do.
Discover the Model Thinking approach
Explore the expanded book and browse its free 72-page preview, introducing the ideas and chapters behind the prize. Reading the book is optional; entrants are judged on the independence and quality of their essays.
Question the familiar. Examine the system.
There is no prescribed conclusion. The strongest essay will make the reader think again.
What does the phrase mean?
Define the proposition carefully. What does it claim about Nigeria, and what might it overlook?
What does the evidence show?
Use credible examples, history, analysis or data to support a coherent argument.
What should we understand differently?
Reach your own reasoned conclusion, whether for, against or somewhere in between.
Who can enter?
Review the entry conditions and privacy information before submitting.
From your idea to your entry
One straightforward application. No account or password required. Prepare your original essay, complete your details and submit the document in one step.
Understand the challenge
Examine the full question. Defend, reject or qualify the proposition using reasoned arguments and evidence.
Write your essay
Up to 3,000 words in English, excluding references. One original, unpublished essay per entrant. Keep your name out of the document.
Enter your details
Provide your contact details, date of birth, country of residence and essay title. Confirm eligibility and the rules.
Submit your file
Upload a PDF or Word document, up to 10 MB. We will check the file and record your submission securely.
Keep your reference
A successful submission will produce a unique entry reference. Keep it for future enquiries.
Independent assessment
Essays are assessed without names against originality, reasoning, evidence and clarity. The winner receives ₦1,000,000, subject to verification.
Register and submit your essay
Complete your details and upload your finished essay in one step. The form checks the submission service automatically.
Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 or above on the closing date, residing anywhere in the world. No entry fee.
Closing date: 28 February 2027 at 23:59 GMT (UTC+0).
Before you submit: Check the 3,000-word limit; remove your name and identifying details from the essay; save your document as PDF, DOC or DOCX.
After you submit: Your unique reference will appear on screen after a successful upload. Keep your reference as proof of submission. An automatic email acknowledgement will also be sent when email delivery is configured.
Submission method: Essays must be uploaded through this form, not sent by email.
2027 Prize entry form
Complete this form to submit your essay securely. Submission availability is checked automatically. Registration opens 14 November 2026.
Privacy and entry handling
Entrants are asked for information needed to establish eligibility, communicate about the competition and administer judging. Essays will be stored separately from entrant identities and made available only to authorised organisers and judges as appropriate.
Contact details will not be published. Please read the competition privacy notice for the purposes of processing, retention, recipients and data-rights procedures. The legal identity of the data controller must be confirmed before entries are accepted.
For data protection requests only, contact prize@modelthinking.org.
Submission availability is displayed on the form. Uploaded entries are processed by the Python submission service.
Before you begin
The entry rules and submission process are explained on this page. Essays must be uploaded using the entry form, not sent by email.
Must I agree with the description of Nigeria?
No. You may defend, challenge or qualify it. The quality of your reasoning matters, not your conclusion.
Can I enter from outside Nigeria?
Yes. Entries are welcome from anywhere in the world, provided entrants meet the age and other entry requirements.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free.
Can I use artificial intelligence to write my essay?
No. AI may not generate or rewrite the essay or develop its substantive argument. Basic spelling and grammar checks are permitted.
When can I register and submit?
Check the competition timetable published on this page. The entry form accepts submissions only when the service is active.
Who owns the essay?
Entrants retain copyright. Publication permissions and the terms applicable to the winning essay will be set out in the final entry rules.