UBA Essay Contest 2025 Offers Nigerian Students N10 Million Grand Prize

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has officially launched its 2025 National Essay Competition. The annual contest is open to senior secondary school students across Nigeria. It offers significant educational grants to the top three winners. The application deadline is set for October 17, 2025.

This initiative is a core part of the UBA Group Foundation’s education program. It aims to foster a reading culture and encourage intellectual competition. The foundation seeks to support academic excellence among African youth.

UBA Essay Competition Details and Prizes

This year’s essay topic focuses on national unity. Students must write on harnessing Nigeria’s diversity to build a stronger nation. The essay must be handwritten and cannot exceed 750 words.

The selection process occurs in two distinct stages. The first stage involves choosing the 12 best essays from all entries. Those 12 finalists will then proceed to a final physical examination.

The grand prize is an N10 million educational grant. The winner can use this grant to attend any university in Africa. The first runner-up will receive a grant of N7.5 million. The second runner-up is awarded N5 million for their studies.

Eligibility and Application Process for Students

The competition is exclusively for Nigerian senior secondary school students. All applicants must complete the official online entry form. They must also upload several required documents for verification.

A recent passport photograph is mandatory. A scanned copy of a valid ID is also required. This can be a birth certificate, national ID, or international passport.

According to the official guidelines, incomplete entries will be disqualified. All uploaded documents must be clearly labeled with the applicant’s name. The handwritten essay must also have the student’s full name written on it.

The UBA National Essay Competition represents a major opportunity for students. It provides crucial financial support for university education. This initiative continues to highlight the importance of academic achievement and critical thinking.

Info at your fingertips

Who is eligible for the UBA essay competition?

The contest is for Nigerian senior secondary school students. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a secondary school. They must also meet all the document submission requirements.

What is the deadline for submissions?

The deadline for all entries is October 17, 2025. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted by this date. Late entries will not be considered for the prize.

How much is the first prize worth?

The winner receives an N10 million educational grant. This money is for tuition at any African university. It is a significant financial award for further studies.

Can the essay be typed?

No, all essays must be handwritten by the student. The essay cannot be typed or digitally created. This is a strict rule of the competition.

How many winners are selected?

There are three top winners selected from 12 finalists. The 12 finalists are chosen from the initial essay submissions. The final three are picked after a second test.

What is the essay word count?

The essay must be a maximum of 750 words. It must be written on the provided topic about national unity. Submissions longer than 750 words will be disqualified.