16-year-old wins UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition

Winners have emerged in this year’s United Bank for Africa (UBA) National Essay Competition, designed to showcase the brightest minds among senior secondary school students across Nigeria.

At the grand finale of the ceremony held at the UBA House, Marina, Isimah of Everest Heights International Academy, Gwagwlada, Abuja, emerged the overall winner of this year’s competition. She clinched the highly coveted prize of a N7.5 million educational grant, which will support her university education at any African institution of her choice.

While receiving her winning grant, trophy, certificate, plaque and other gifts, an elated Isimah, said: “I am so happy, I prayed and worked so hard for this, even though I am a science student, I have always loved writing. I am very glad this dream of mine came through.”

Obinna-Chukwu Chikamara Christabel of Regina Pacis College, Abuja, came second, earning a N5 million grant, while Essien Greatness Emediong of the Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, emerged the second runner-upand was rewarded with a N3.5 million grant.

UBA’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, while congratulating the winners, emphasised the bank’s goal to promote education across the African continent, inspiring and empowering young people for the future, through the UBA Foundation.

“At the UBA Foundation, education has always been our cornerstone. We believe that knowledge is the most powerful catalyst for transformative change. By investing in education, we are not just teaching, we are empowering individuals to become architects of their own future and catalysts for broader societal progress,” Alawuba stated.

The 20 finalists who emerged winners from the regional tests all won brand new laptops, and other beautiful collaterals to help them with their research and study towards their tertiary education.

This year’s competition recorded over 10,000 entries, with the essay topic: “The impact of carbon emission on climate change in Nigeria: Challenges and solutions,” participants were challenged to demonstrate critical thinking and propose innovative solutions to one of today’s most pressing global issues.

The Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, expressed her excitement at the growing interest in the competition, particularly the increased participation from northern regions.

The competition has remained a significant platform for promoting literacy, critical thinking, and academic excellence, among African youth. Since its inception, the competition has empowered countless students, providing them with opportunities to further their education and achieve their aspirations.