UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa Plc, has shortlisted 20 finalists for the 2026 National Essay Competition (NEC).
The 20 finalists are Abioye Shalom Damilola, The Sprouters Schools, Katsina; Adedoye Roseline Aderonke, Molusi College; Alabi Fawwaz Ayoade, Heritage Global Academy, Ikorodu; Ayomide Jeremiah Dada, Softnet Technology Academy; Anyanwu Uchenna Olivia, Coral Impacts International School, Abuja.
Others are Azuoma Dominica Ugonna, Oxford Secondary School, Ulakwo; Bala Khaira Ojima, Metro International School; Ebunoluwa Louis Oluwanifemi, Igando Community Senior High School; Ezeani Uchenwanne Theresa, Kuje Senior Secondary School; and Gabriel Queenesther Iniobong, Redemption Academy.
The finalists were selected from over 12,000 entries submitted by senior secondary school students across the country, a statement said on Friday.
They will compete for N41.5 million in educational grants, the statement quoted, adding that the first-place winner will receive N15 million, a 50 per cent increase from N10 million in 2025, while second and third place will get N10 million and N7.5 million respectively.
It said: “For the first time, fourth and fifth place winners will receive N5 million and N3.5 million each to study in any African university of their choice.
“The finalists represent schools in Katsina, Kano, Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Awka, Port Harcourt, Imo and Akwa Ibom. They will proceed to a final round of supervised essay writing at UBA House, Lagos.”
