The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation has announced the commencement of the National Essay Competition (NEC) 2025, an annual education initiative aimed at promoting a strong reading culture and encouraging intellectual excellence among senior secondary school students across Nigeria and Africa.
Now in its latest edition, the competition continues to provide a platform for young Nigerians to express their ideas, sharpen their writing skills, and engage in healthy academic competition that nurtures critical thinking and national consciousness.
This year’s essay topic is both timely and thought-provoking:
“Nigeria is Characterised By Diverse Cultures, Ethnicities, and Religions. How Can Young Nigerians Deploy Diversity to Build a United Nation?”
According to UBA Foundation, the competition seeks to inspire students to think creatively about how Nigeria’s diversity can be turned into a force for unity and sustainable development.
The National Essay Competition will be conducted in two stages:
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First Stage: Call for entries, where the 12 best essays will be selected by a panel of judges.
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Second Stage: A final physical test where the overall Winner, First Runner-up, and Second Runner-up will emerge.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Applicants must be Nigerian senior secondary school students.
Each participant is required to:
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Complete the official application form.
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Upload a handwritten essay (not typed) of no more than 750 words.
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Attach a recent passport photograph.
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Provide a scanned copy of their Birth Certificate, National ID, or International Passport as proof of identity.
The application deadline is October 17, 2025. Interested students can visit the UBA Foundation portal https://www.ubagroup.com/our-impact/uba-foundation/national-essay-competition/ to apply.
Prizes and Awards
The 2025 edition offers one of the most generous rewards for student competitions in Africa:
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🥇 Winner: ₦10,000,000 scholarship grant
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🥈 First Runner-up: ₦7,500,000 scholarship grant
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🥉 Second Runner-up: Additional educational support and recognition
These prizes are aimed at supporting winners through their tertiary education and motivating young Nigerians to pursue academic excellence.
Speaking on the initiative, a UBA Foundation representative reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to education and youth empowerment across Africa.
“Through the National Essay Competition, we are investing in the future of African youths by encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and unity through education.”
Since its inception, the UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition has empowered thousands of students across Nigeria, helping many winners secure university scholarships both locally and internationally.