The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation has been promoting academic excellence through the National Essay Competition (NEC) for 14 years.
Many believe the competition has stood as a beacon of hope, inspiring creativity, critical thinking, and academic excellence among secondary school students across Nigeria.
While other participants celebrate winning prestigious prizes, analysts said the competition’s true impact lies in transforming lives, empowering students, and uplifting communities.
The 2024 edition upheld this legacy and reached new heights in promoting education and literacy.
Held at the UBA House in Lagos, the grand finale attracted over 10,000 entries across Nigeria.
The theme was “The Impact of Carbon Emission on Climate Change in Nigeria: Challenges and Solutions.”
According to analysts, the theme encouraged students to engage with one of today’s most pressing global issues as the topic showcased the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Africa’s future leaders while fostering awareness of critical environmental challenges.
The event’s highlight was the crowning of 16-year-old Tehilah Oluchukwu Isimah from Everest Heights International Academy, Gwagwalada, Abuja, as the overall winner.
According to the judges, her essay, marked by creativity and depth, earned her the top prize—a ₦7.5 million educational grant to fully fund her tertiary education at any university on the African continent.
Overwhelmed with joy, Tehilah expressed her gratitude: “I am so happy. I prayed and worked so hard for this. Even though I am a science student, I have always loved writing. This is truly a dream come true.” Her mother echoed this sentiment, calling the victory an “answered prayer” that would change their lives forever.
Other winners included Obinna-Chukwu Chikamara Christabel from Regina Pacis College, Abuja, who secured the second prize of a ₦5 million educational grant, and Essien Greatness Emediong from Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, who won the third prize of ₦3.5 million.
Essien became the first male finalist in three years to secure a top spot, breaking a streak of female dominance in the competition.
According to the bank, the Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the UBA Group, places education at the core of its initiatives.
UBA Group Managing Director/CEO Oliver Alawuba reaffirmed this commitment: “At the UBA Foundation, we believe that knowledge is the most powerful catalyst for transformative change.
Investing in education empowers individuals to shape their futures and contribute to societal progress.”
The bank also said that this year’s edition aligned with UBA’s 75th anniversary celebrations and extended its reach by awarding ₦75,000 each to 75 students from the competition’s four regions.
Additionally, all 20 finalists received laptops, trophies, certificates, and other academic resources, further enabling their educational journeys.
Another highlight of the 2024 NEC edition was the increase in educational grant values. The first prize rose from ₦2.5 million to ₦7.5 million, while the second and third prizes were elevated to ₦5 million and ₦3.5 million, respectively.
These increments reflect the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting students’ aspirations and ensuring access to quality education.
By limiting the grants to universities within Africa, the UBA Foundation said it underscores its mission to promote the continent’s rich educational opportunities.
Since its inception in 2010, the NEC has been dedicated to nurturing a culture of reading, research, and critical thinking among African youth.
At the event, Bola Atta, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, highlighted the competition’s growing influence: “We are thrilled to see young minds rise to the challenge of addressing key issues facing our society.
This year’s entries were exceptional, reflecting the brilliance and creativity of Africa’s next generation.”
The Foundation also stated, “The inclusion of climate change as this year’s essay topic underscores the competition’s relevance in addressing global challenges while inspiring students to think critically about local solutions.
The competition’s credibility is maintained through a rigorous judging process led by esteemed academics. This year, Prof. Ini Uko of the Department of English at the University of Uyo praised the Foundation’s efforts to promote literacy and intellectual growth.
However, she also noted a need for more extraordinary originality among participants, as some essays relied heavily on online sources.
“The NEC’s influence extends beyond the winners, creating ripple effects across Nigeria and Africa. It fosters healthy intellectual competition, nurtures problem-solving skills, and provides life-changing opportunities for students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
The laptops and other resources provided to finalists equip them to excel academically and professionally.
