A 16-year-old student of Everest Heights Int’l Academy, Gwagwalada-Abuja, Tehilah Isimah, has emerged as the overall winner of the 14th edition of the National Essay Competition of UBA Foundation.
Isimah emerged the winner at the grand finale of the contest, which was held in UBA House on Tuesday.
The NEC is organised by the UBA Foundation, which is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa Group. It is aimed at showcasing the brightest minds among senior secondary school students across Nigeria.
Isimah clinched the highly coveted prize of a N7.5m educational grant, which will support her university education at any African institution of her choice.
While receiving her winning grant, trophy, certificate, and other gifts, Isimah 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 true. UBA Foundation, this is answered prayers for me; I will forever be grateful.”
Isimah’s mother, who was also at the event, said, “I can’t believe this is happening; thank you, UBA Foundation; this is indeed a dream come true for us; I am so happy.”
Obinna-Chukwu Christabel of Regina Pacis College, Abuja, came second to win an N5m grant, and Essien Greatness of the Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, clinched the third position with an N3.5m grant.
UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who congratulated all the winners, emphasised the bank’s goal to promote education across the African continent, inspiring and empowering 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,” the GMD stated.
Speaking at the event, the MD/CEO of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, expressed her excitement at the growing interest in the competition, particularly the increased participation from 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.
The 20 finalists who emerged winners from the regional tests all won brand-new laptops and other gifts.
This year’s NEC recorded over 10,000 entries, marking a milestone in the history of the competition. Participants wrote on the topic, ‘The Impact of Carbon Emission on Climate Change in Nigeria: Challenges and Solutions.’
