A 13-year-old student from Lagos has made history by clinching the top prize at the prestigious 2025 National Essay Competition organized by the United Bank for Africa.
Young Author Triumphs in National Contest
Ebunoluwa Oluwatimilehin, a Senior Secondary School II student of Igando Senior High School in Lagos, emerged as the national champion after competing against eleven other finalists in the grand finale held on November 20, 2025. The young author demonstrated exceptional writing skills that earned her the life-changing victory.
Now in its fifteenth year, the competition awarded Oluwatimilehin with a university grant worth N10 million, which she can use to study at any African university of her choice. The prize package also includes additional benefits that will support her educational journey.
Competition Theme Focuses on National Unity
This year's essay challenge prompted students to address a critical national issue: "Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians deploy diversity to build a united nation?"
The event, held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, Marina, Lagos, saw other remarkable winners. Njoku Emerald from Christian International High School in Owerri, Imo State, secured second place and received N7.5 million, while Bayero Fatimo Auwal of Cornerstone Montessori School, Abuja, claimed third position with a N5 million prize.
UBA Leadership Emphasizes Youth Engagement
During the ceremony, Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, highlighted the crucial role of youth participation and diversity in shaping Africa's future. He described the competition as a celebration of young writing talents and their potential to drive positive change in the country.
Alawuba specifically acknowledged the contributions of parents and guardians, thanking them for supporting the students' achievements. He also praised the judging panel led by Dr. Kabir Asabe, a Professor of English Language at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, for their professional handling of over 7,000 entries received this year.
Reflecting on examiners' reports that identified presentation gaps and widespread use of slang among contestants, Alawuba urged the Foundation to involve top officials from the Federal Ministry of Education and State Commissioners of Education. This collaboration would ensure that youth perspectives are integrated into educational policies.
Emphasizing UBA's commitment to diversity, Alawuba noted that the organization employs staff representing over a thousand languages and a hundred nationalities. "I think that if we get diversity right in Africa, not just Nigeria, the continent will be number one in the whole world," he stated.
Mrs. Bola Atta, Managing Director of UBA Foundation, revealed that the competition experienced a significant 75% increase in entries this year, despite a late start in publicity. She noted the literacy initiative is expanding beyond Lagos, reaching underserved areas in northern Nigeria, indicating growing educational interest across the country.
The UBA National Essay Competition continues to fulfill its mission of promoting literacy and encouraging healthy intellectual competition among secondary school students throughout Nigeria and Africa.
