Learn how to apply for the UBA National Essay Competition 2025. This competition is for Nigerian secondary school students and offers scholarships worth ₦22.5 million for university education.
The UBA National Essay Competition, a flagship initiative of the UBA Foundation, is an annual intellectual contest designed to cultivate a culture of reading and critical thinking among senior secondary school students in Nigeria.
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Beyond just a competition, it serves as a powerful platform for young scholars to express their ideas, showcase their writing skills, and secure a life-changing educational grant for their undergraduate studies at any university within Africa. For over seven decades, UBA has been a pillar of the African financial landscape, and through its foundation, it remains steadfastly committed to investing in the future of the continent by empowering its youth through education.
This competition is a clear reflection of that enduring commitment. For an in-depth look at what it takes to succeed, check out our guide on how to win a fully-funded undergraduate scholarship and discover the top qualities of scholarship winners. We also have a general guide on how to apply for scholarships successfully.
Competition Details
- Host: UBA Foundation
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Target Audience: Senior Secondary School students
- Reward: Scholarships worth ₦22.5 million, broken down into prizes for the top three winners.
- Deadline: October 17th, 2025
The Essay Topic: Diversity and National Unity
The essay topic for the 2025 competition delves into one of Nigeria’s most pressing and profound themes: national unity amidst immense diversity. The prompt challenges students to reflect on how Nigeria, a nation characterized by over 250 ethnic groups and a rich tapestry of cultures and religions, can harness this diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.
The specific essay topic is:
Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians deploy diversity to build a united nation?
This topic encourages applicants to think critically about their role in shaping the country’s future. It’s an opportunity to propose innovative solutions, draw on historical lessons, and envision a path forward where cultural, ethnic, and religious differences are celebrated as assets. Your essay, which must be an original, handwritten work, should not exceed 750 words.
This requirement is a crucial part of the judging process, testing not only your intellectual capacity but also your discipline and attention to detail. For tips on crafting a powerful narrative, read our guide on how to write a scholarship essay that wins and an A-Z guide on why you deserve this scholarship essay. If you need to include a reference, here’s how to ask for a recommendation letter. In addition to your essay, you will be required to submit a passport photograph and a scanned copy of a valid means of identification, such as a birth certificate, National ID, or an international passport.
Prizes
The winners of the competition will be awarded substantial educational grants to support their undergraduate degree at any African university of their choice. The prize structure is designed to provide significant financial relief and a powerful incentive for academic excellence. The prize breakdown is as follows:
- 1st Place Winner: ₦7.5 million
- 1st Runner-up: ₦5 million
- 2nd Runner-up: ₦3.5 million
These grants represent a truly life-changing opportunity. Beyond the monetary value, the scholarships enable recipients to pursue their academic goals and contribute to their communities without the burden of financial constraints. This investment allows them to become future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers, fully prepared to take on the challenges of a rapidly changing world. For those considering education beyond Nigeria, you can also explore the top 10 affordable universities in the US for Master’s programs or the top 10 universities in Australia for international students. These articles provide a broader perspective on the global educational landscape.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the UBA National Essay Competition is straightforward and is completed online through the UBA Foundation’s website.
- Visit the Website: Navigate to the UBA Foundation website through the link provided below.
- Prepare Your Essay: The essay is the most critical part of your application. Take your time to write a well-structured, persuasive, and original piece on the given topic. Remember, the essay must be handwritten and within the 750-word limit.
- Scan Your Documents: Ensure you have high-quality scanned copies of all required documents: your handwritten essay, your original birth certificate or international passport data page, and a recent passport photograph.
- Upload Your Entry: On the provided section of the portal, you will be guided to upload all the scanned documents. Make sure each file is clear and readable.
- Review and Submit: Before clicking the final submit button, take a moment to review all your information. Ensure that your essay meets all the specified requirements and has been proofread for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application significantly increases your chances of being selected.
Application Deadline: October 17th, 2025
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
visit the official UBA Foundation webpage
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to apply? The competition is open to all senior secondary school students in Nigeria.
- What documents are required for the application? You need to submit a handwritten essay, a passport photograph, and a scanned copy of your birth certificate, National ID, or international passport.
- Can the essay be typed? No, the essay must be handwritten.
- What is the word limit for the essay? The essay must not be more than 750 words.
- Do I need to pay a fee to apply? No, the application is completely free of charge.
- Can I apply if I am not a Nigerian citizen? No, the competition is strictly for Nigerian citizens.
- How will I be notified if I win? The winners are typically contacted by the UBA Foundation. Announcements are also made on their official platforms.
- Can I use the scholarship grant for a university outside of Africa? No, the educational grant is specifically for an undergraduate degree at any university within Africa.
- What is the purpose of the essay competition? The competition aims to promote a reading culture and healthy intellectual competition among Nigerian youth.
- Is an IELTS score required? No, there is no IELTS requirement for this competition.