The UBA Foundation has announced the 16th edition of its National Essay Competition, offering a total of 41 million Naira in educational grants to senior secondary school students across Nigeria. The competition, which aims to provide a platform for young writers to express their ideas and showcase their writing and critical thinking skills, is now open for applications. This year's topic is "No nation can develop without food security. How can Nigeria deal with this problem?"
The top five winners of the competition will receive financial support towards their university education. The first-place winner will receive a 15 million Naira university grant, while the second- and third-place winners will receive 10.5 million Naira and 7.5 million Naira respectively. In a new development, fourth- and fifth-place winners will also receive 5 million Naira and 3.5 million Naira each.
The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition has been running for 16 years, providing opportunities for young Nigerian students to develop their writing and critical thinking skills. The competition is open to senior secondary school students across Nigeria, and participants are expected to submit handwritten essays of no more than 750 words.
The application process for the NEC 2026 is straightforward, with interested students expected to submit their essays through the competition's digital portal. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 23, 2026. The UBA Foundation encourages all eligible students to participate and take advantage of this opportunity to turn their words into something bigger.
The topic for this year's competition, "No nation can develop without food security. How can Nigeria deal with this problem?" is particularly relevant, as it directly affects Nigeria's future. Participants are expected to think critically and propose practical ideas for addressing the challenge of food security in Nigeria.
The UBA Foundation's commitment to education and youth development is evident in its continued support for the National Essay Competition. By providing 41 million Naira in educational grants, the foundation is empowering young Nigerian students to pursue their educational goals and make a positive impact in their communities.
The NEC 2026 is a chance for Nigerian senior secondary school students to showcase their talents and take the first step towards achieving their educational aspirations. With a total of 41 million Naira in educational grants up for grabs, participants have a lot to gain from participating in the competition.
Key points
- The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition offers a total of 41 million Naira in educational grants to senior secondary school students across Nigeria.
- The competition is open to senior secondary school students across Nigeria, and participants are expected to submit handwritten essays of no more than 750 words.
- The deadline for applications is Friday, October 23, 2026.
