A 16-year-old student of Everest Height International Academy, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Miss Tehilah Isimah, has won this year’s National Essay Competition organised by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc for senior secondary school students nationwide.
This was announced yesterday at the grand finale of the competition and award ceremony held at the UBA House, Marina, Lagos.
Isimah also won the star prize of N7.5 million educational grant, which will support her university education at any African institution of her choice. Besides, she presented with a laptop, a plaque and a trophy.
The first and second runners-up were Obinna-Chukwu Christabel of Regina Pacis College, Abuja, and Essien Emediong of the Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Both went home with N5 million and N3.5 million in educational grants, respectively.
In his remarks, UBA’s GMD/CEO, Mr Oliver Alawuba, congratulated the winners, saying the bank’s goal to promote education across the African continent, inspire and empower 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 futures and catalysts for broader societal progress,” he said.
Also speaking, the MD/CEO of UBA Foundation, Mrs Bola Atta, expressed her excitement at the growing interest in the competition, particularly the increased participation from the northern regions.
“We are thrilled to see young minds rise to the challenge of addressing key issues facing our society.
“This year’s entries were not only numerous but also of exceptional quality, reflecting the brilliance and creativity of Africa’s next generation,” she said.
In her speech, Isimah who could not hide her joy of being taking the first position 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. UBA Foundation, this is an answered prayer for me, I will forever be grateful.”
Premium Times quoted her mother as saying: “I can’t believe this; this is happening, thank you UBA Foundation, this is indeed a dream come through for us, I am so happy.”
The paper also reported that female students dominated the top spots for the third consecutive year, with Master Emediong becoming the first male finalist to secure a top three position in three years.
This year’s National Essay Competition (NEC) recorded an unprecedented milestone, with over 10,000 entries received.
The 20 finalists who emerged as winners from the regional tests were rewarded with brand-new laptops and other educational materials to support their tertiary education.
This year’s edition invited senior secondary school students to submit essays on the topic: “The Impact of Carbon Emission on Climate in Nigeria: Discuss the Challenges and Proffer Solutions.”
The theme aligns with global climate change efforts, encouraging students to engage with one of the most pressing environmental challenges.
