United Bank for Africa, UBA National Essay Competition 2026 | N10.5m in Prizes
UBA Foundation is now accepting entries from Senior Secondary school students in Nigeria for its 2026 National Essay Competition. The deadline for submission of entries for the UBA Essay Competition is October 14, 2026.
UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, announces the commencement of the 2026 edition of the National Essay Competition (NEC) for senior secondary school students in Nigeria. Now in its 12th year, the National Essay Competition provides a competitive platform to develop the intellectual and writing abilities of senior secondary school students in Nigeria. Winners get educational grants to study in any African University of their choice.
The 2026 Essay topic is “ASUU Strikes have often cost Nigerian students time. Advise the Nigerian government on how they can reach an agreement with ASUU to improve tertiary education in the country.”
UBA Foundation National Essay Competition Eligibility
Candidates:
- Must be in senior secondary school
- Must submit a handwritten essay (750 words MAX)
- Must submit a passport photograph
- Must submit a copy of a birth certificate, National ID, or Passport.
UBA Foundation National Essay Competition Prizes
First Prize: N5 million educational grant to any African University of the winner’s choice;
Second prize: N3 million in educational grants to any African University of choice;
Third Prize: N2.5 million in educational grants to any African University of choice.
UBA Foundation National Essay Competition Selection Procedure
Entries received for the competition will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges made up of professors from reputable Nigerian Universities who will then shortlist 12 essays for further assessment.
Following this, the second round of competition will involve the 12 finalists who will write a second superior essay from which the three best essays will be selected as the overall winners from the 12 finalists.
Note: All incomplete and/or duplicate entries will be disqualified.
Related Article: United Bank for Africa, UBA National Essay Competition 2022 | N10.5m in Prizes
FAQs: United Bank for Africa (UBA) National Essay Competition 2026 | N10.5m in Prizes
What is the UBA National Essay Competition?
The UBA National Essay Competition (NEC) is an annual initiative of the UBA Foundation designed to promote reading, creative thinking, and strong writing skills among senior secondary school students. The competition provides students with an opportunity to compete for educational grants and other prizes.
Who is eligible to apply for the UBA National Essay Competition 2026?
The competition is generally open to Nigerian senior secondary school students. Applicants are expected to meet the eligibility requirements stated in the official 2026 application announcement and submit the required essay and supporting documents.
How much can winners receive from the UBA National Essay Competition?
The competition offers substantial educational grants and prizes to successful participants. However, applicants should confirm the official 2026 prize structure from UBA Foundation’s announcement, as the prize amounts can change from one edition to another. The 2025 edition, for example, offered more than ₦22 million in grants and prizes overall.
How can I apply for the UBA National Essay Competition 2026?
Eligible students should complete the application through the official UBA Foundation competition platform when the 2026 application window opens. Previous application requirements included completing an online form, submitting a handwritten essay of not more than 750 words, and providing a recent passport photograph and acceptable identification or birth documentation.
What documents are required for the UBA National Essay Competition?
Applicants may be required to provide a recent passport photograph and a scanned copy of an acceptable identification document, such as a birth certificate, National ID, or international passport, alongside their essay. Candidates should check the official 2026 application guidelines for the final list of requirements.
