The UBA Foundation, corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the 2025 edition of its annual National Essay Competition (NEC), offering over ₦22.5 million in educational grants to outstanding students across Nigeria.
According to the Foundation, the first prize winner will receive a ₦10 million university grant, representing a 33% increase from last year’s ₦7.5 million award. The second and third place winners will receive ₦7.5 million and ₦5 million respectively, while the next twelve finalists will each receive brand new laptops and other learning tools.
This year’s essay topic is “Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians harness this diversity to build a united nation?”
Speaking on the initiative, Bola Atta, Managing Director/CEO of the UBA Foundation, reaffirmed the bank’s continued commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment. She noted that the increased prize value reflects UBA’s dedication to promoting academic excellence and easing the financial burden of higher education for Nigerian families.
To participate, applicants must be Nigerian secondary school students. Entries should include a scanned copy of a handwritten essay (not exceeding 750 words), a passport photograph, and a valid means of identification such as a birth certificate, national ID, or international passport.
Submissions close on Friday, October 17, 2025, and can be made via the UBA Foundation’s official website or by scanning the QR code on promotional materials
