How UBA Foundation has Nurtured Young Creative Minds for 14 Years through NEC

For over 14 years, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to education, changing countless lives through its National Essay Competition (NEC). This initiative, designed to encourage literacy, critical thinking, and academic excellence among African youth, has become a beacon of hope and a platform for nurturing creative young minds. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the 2024 edition of the NEC further solidified its legacy, as 16-year-old Tehilah Oluchukwu Isimah emerged victorious, clinching the coveted N7.5 million educational grant

As an initiative rooted in purpose, the UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the UBA Group, launched the National Essay Competition (NEC) as part of its broader mission to empower young ones, while inspiring progress across Africa.

Upon its establishment, NEC focused on senior secondary school students, through which it aims to promote a reading culture, foster intellectual competition, and provide tangible support for tertiary education.

 Over the years, 14 years to be precise, the NEC has evolved into a prestigious platform that not only identifies bright talents but also amplifies their voices.

This year, the competition aligned with UBA’s 75th-anniversary celebration, further highlighting its significance. A total of 75 students from across Nigeria received N75,000 each as part of the milestone celebration, while 20 finalists were awarded laptops and other materials to support their academic pursuits.

Celebrating Excellence at the Grand Finale

The 2024 grand finale, held at UBA House in Lagos, was a memorable event, showcasing the brilliance of young minds. After months of rigorous evaluation of over 10,000 entries, the finalists gathered to present their ideas on the essay topic: “The Impact of Carbon Emission on Climate Change in Nigeria: Challenges and Solutions.”

Amidst the tough competition, Tehilah Oluchukwu Isimah of Everest Heights International Academy, Gwagwalada-Abuja, emerged as the overall winner. She walked away with a N7.5 million educational grant to fund her university education at any African institution of her choice. 

Overwhelmed with joy, Isimah expressed her gratitude, saying: “I prayed and worked so hard for this. Even though I am a science student, I have always loved writing. This is a dream come true, and I will forever be grateful to the UBA Foundation.”

Her mother, visibly emotional, also expressed her appreciation, noting the profound impact the grant would have on their family.

The second-place prize of N5 million went to Obinna-Chukwu Chikamara Christabel of Regina Pacis College, Abuja, while the third prize of N3.5 million was awarded to Essien Greatness Emediong of the Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo, Akwa Ibom. Notably, Essien’s achievement marked a milestone as he became the first male finalist to secure a top position in three years.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Speaking at the event, Oliver Alawuba, UBA Group Managing Director/CEO, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to education as a catalyst for societal transformation.

“At the UBA Foundation, education has always been our cornerstone. By investing in education, we are not just teaching; we are empowering individuals to become architects of their own futures and catalysts for broader societal progress.”

Similarly, Bola Atta, MD/CEO of UBA Foundation, lauded the growing interest in the competition. She highlighted the increased participation from the northern regions, attributing this to the foundation’s continuous efforts to reach all corners of the nation.

“This year’s entries were not only numerous but also of exceptional quality, reflecting the brilliance and creativity of Africa’s next generation,” she said.

The competition also benefited from expert judges, including Prof. Ini Uko from the Department of English, University of Uyo, who praised the UBA Foundation for its consistent efforts to promote reading and research among students, though she cautioned against instances of plagiarism observed in some entries.

A Platform for Lasting Impact

Since its inception, the NEC has awarded millions of naira in educational grants to outstanding students, empowering them to pursue higher education and achieve their aspirations. The competition underscores the UBA Foundation’s belief in the transformative power of education, especially when targeted at the youth.

This year’s prizes marked a significant improvement from previous editions, with the first prize increasing to N7.5 million from N2.5 million. The second and third prizes also saw substantial increments, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities.

Broadening Horizons Across Africa

One unique aspect of the NEC is its pan-African focus. Winners are encouraged to utilise their grants at any university on the African continent, thereby promoting the quality of education available in Africa. This stipulation aligns with the foundation’s broader vision of celebrating African talent and fostering growth within the continent.

In addition to its impact on individual winners, the competition has a ripple effect on communities, inspiring other students to aim higher and engage with pressing societal issues. This year’s topic on carbon emissions and climate change exemplifies the foundation’s commitment to addressing global challenges while equipping young minds with the tools to find solutions.

As the UBA Foundation marks 14 years of the NEC, its achievements serve as a reminder of the profound impact that education-focused CSR initiatives can have. By investing in the future of young Africans, the foundation is not just supporting students—it is nurturing leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the continent’s destiny.

Therefore, the success of the 2024 NEC, highlighted by the outstanding achievements of its winners, sets the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come. For thousands of students, the competition remains a beacon of hope, offering not just educational grants but a platform to dream, create, and excel.

As succinctly captured by one of the finalists, “This competition has taught me that education is the key to unlocking opportunities. UBA Foundation is not just changing lives; it is building a brighter future for all of us.”

As the NEC continues to grow in scope and impact, its legacy as a decade-long driver of change will undoubtedly endure, inspiring generations of young Africans to reach for the stars.

About UBA Foundation 

Incorporated in January 2004, the UBA Foundation, which is the CSR arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Africa’s global bank, has been committed to being a socially responsible company and role model for all businesses in Africa.

Essentially, the foundation is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of education, environment, economic empowerment and special projects. 

Amongst other expression of its numerous CSR projects, the United Bank for Africa Foundation birthed the National Essay Competition, which promotes literacy and encourages healthy and intellectual competition amongst senior secondary students. 

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At the UBA Foundation, education has always been our cornerstone. We believe that knowledge is the most powerful catalyst for transformative change. By investing in education, we are not just teaching – we are empowering individuals to become architects of their own futures and catalysts for broader societal progress