LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation has announced that winners of the 2025 edition of its annual National Essay Competition (NEC) will receive educational grants worth over N22.5 million, a 33 per cent increase from last year’s total prize value.
According to the Foundation, the first-prize winner will receive a N10 million university grant, up from N7.5 million awarded in 2024
The second and third-place winners will receive N7.5 million and N5 million, respectively — also representing significant increments from the previous year’s N5 million and N3.5 million.
In addition to the top prizes, the writers of the 12 best essays will each receive brand-new laptops and other learning tools to support their academic work.
The competition, which forms part of UBA Foundation’s education initiative, seeks to promote literacy and encourage critical thinking among senior secondary school students across Nigeria and Africa.
This year’s essay topic is “Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians deploy diversity to build a united nation?”
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Speaking on the motivation behind the increased prize value, Bola Atta, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, said the move reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting academic excellence and easing the financial burden of higher education.
“The deliberate and significant increase in the value of these educational grants underscores our dedication to investing in academic excellence and alleviating the financial burden of higher education for Nigerian students and their families,” she said.
“We are confident that this will further inspire a culture of academic achievement and critical thinking.”
Ms Atta added that UBA Foundation remains “deeply committed to creating impactful opportunities for the youth, who are the future of our continent.”
To qualify for the competition, applicants must be Nigerian students in senior secondary school. Each participant is required to submit a handwritten essay (not more than 750 words) on the selected topic, along with a recent passport photograph and proof of identity — such as a birth certificate, National ID, or international passport.
Entries must be uploaded via the Foundation’s portal on UBA Foundation’s official website or through the QR code provided on official posters.
The deadline for submission is Friday, October 17, 2025.
UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa Plc, drives development-oriented initiatives across the continent with a focus on education, environment, and economic empowerment.