csrreporters 
A 13 year old SS2 student, Seth Ebunoluwa of Igando Community Senior High School, Lagos, has emerged winner of the 2025 United Bank for Africa (UBA) National Essay Competition, becoming the first male student in eight years to take the top spot.
Selected from over 120,000 entries nationwide, Seth secured the grand prize of a N10 million educational grant, marking a significant milestone in the competition’s 15 year history.
Coming in second was 15 year-old Emerald Njoku-Kelechi of Christian International High School, Imo State, who received a N7.5 million scholarship, while 14 year-old Fatima Auwa Bayer of Cornerstone Montessori School, Abuja, placed third with a N5 million grant.
Speaking at the grand finale, UBA’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering young Africans through strategic investment in education. He emphasized that Africa’s greatest asset is its youth, and equipping them through knowledge remains the surest path to transforming the continent.
Africa has an enormous young population. If we empower them with education, they will reposition the continent. The future belongs to Africa, and within Africa, the future belongs to the youth,” he said.
Alawuba noted that UBA’s decision to raise the top prize to N10 million reflects a deliberate investment in human capital. “We are not just increasing the prize; we are investing in our youth. Education pays the highest dividend, and once given a chance, our youth will take Africa to the next level.
The CEO of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, highlighted the competition’s expansion across the continent. What began in Nigeria 15 years ago has now extended to Ghana, Senegal, and other African countries.
“So far, we have rolled this out in six African countries. Our goal for 2026 is to reach 10 to 15 countries. We aim to spread the movement of educating our youth, increasing literacy, and reducing poverty,” she said, noting that the foundation is working closely with ministries of education to strengthen reading culture among African youths.
With its continued continental expansion and increased grant value, the UBA National Essay Competition is positioning itself as one of Africa’s most impactful youth development initiatives.
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