Applications are now open for the 2026 UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition, an annual competition for senior secondary school students across Nigeria.
The competition gives Nigerian students an opportunity to showcase their writing skills, critical thinking, knowledge, and understanding of an important national issue.
Five successful students will receive educational grants ranging from ₦3.5 million to ₦15 million.
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About UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition
The UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition forms part of UBA Foundation’s education initiative. The initiative promotes reading and encourages healthy intellectual competition among secondary school students in Nigeria and across Africa.
The UBA Foundation Essay Competition focuses on an important national issue. For the 2026 edition, students will write about food security.
The UBA National Essay Competition is open to eligible Nigerian senior secondary school students.
Essay Topic
No Nation Can Develop Without Food Security. How Can Nigeria Deal With This Problem?
Students participating in the UBA NEC Essay Competition should address the topic clearly and present practical ideas.
The National Essay Competition for Nigerian Students gives participants an opportunity to express their views on one of Nigeria’s important challenges.
Who Can Apply?
The National Essay Competition secondary school students category is open to:
- Nigerian senior secondary school students
- Students who meet the stated application requirements
- Students able to submit a handwritten essay of not more than 750 words
Application Requirements
Applicants for the UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition must provide:
- Complete contact details
- A handwritten essay of 750 words maximum
- Recent passport photograph
- Scanned Birth Certificate, National ID, or International Passport
Important: The essay must be handwritten, not typed.
Applicants should also write their full names on their essays before uploading them.
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UBA Foundation National Essay Competition Prizes
The UBA Foundation Essay Competition offers educational grants to five winners.
| Position | Educational Grant |
| 1st Prize | ₦15 million |
| 2nd Prize | ₦10 million |
| 3rd Prize | ₦7.5 million |
| 4th Prize | ₦5 million |
| 5th Prize | ₦3.5 million |
The UBA NEC Essay Competition therefore offers up to ₦15 million to the first-place winner.
Selection Process
The UBA National Essay Competition follows two stages.
Stage 1: Essay Selection
All submitted essays will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges comprising professors from reputable Nigerian universities.
Twenty best essays will be selected.
Stage 2: Final Physical Test
The 20 finalists will participate in a final physical test at the UBA Head Office in Lagos.
Five winners will emerge based on the quality of their essays.
Important Things to Note
Before submitting your application for the UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition:
- Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
- Duplicate entries will be disqualified.
- Write your full name on your handwritten essay.
- Check all uploaded documents before submission.
- Use your name when naming attachments.
For example:
- John Doe – Passport Photograph
- John Doe – Birth Certificate
- John Doe – Essay
How to Apply for UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition 2026
Eligible students should prepare their handwritten essay and required documents before starting the application.
Follow these steps:
- Go to UBA Foundation National Essay Competition Portal.
- Read the essay topic carefully.
- Write your essay by hand.
- Keep the essay within 750 words.
- Scan the essay and required documents.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review your application.
- Submit your application.
Applicants for the UBA Foundation Essay Competition should ensure all information and documents are complete before submission.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition 2026 is October 23, 2026.
Eligible students should submit their applications before the deadline.
Do not wait until the final day to prepare your essay and documents.
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