Tehilah Isimah, a 16-year-old student from Everest Heights Academy, wins UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition with a N7.5m educational grant.

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n an inspiring display of talent and determination, Tehilah Isimah, a 16-year-old student from Everest Heights International Academy in Gwagwalada, Abuja, has emerged as the overall winner of the 14th edition of the National Essay Competition (NEC), organised by the UBA Foundation.

The grand finale of this prestigious event took place at UBA House on Tuesday.

Also read: UBA urges Nigerian entrepreneurs to adopt sustainable business models

The NEC, which aims to showcase the brightest minds among senior secondary school students across Nigeria, saw over 10,000 entries this year, marking a significant milestone in the competition’s history.

Participants were tasked with writing on the topic, ‘The Impact of Carbon Emission on Climate Change in Nigeria: Challenges and Solutions.’

Isimah’s victory earned her the highly coveted N7.5 million educational grant, which will support her university education at any African institution of her choice.

“I am so happy; I prayed and worked so hard for this. Even though I am a science student, I have always loved writing.

I am very glad this dream of mine came true. UBA Foundation, this is answered prayers for me; I will forever be grateful,” Isimah shared while receiving her winning prize, trophy, certificate, and other gifts.

Isimah’s mother, who attended the event with her daughter, expressed her pride and gratitude, saying, “I can’t believe this is happening; thank you, UBA Foundation; this is indeed a dream come true for us; I am so happy.”

The National Essay Competition also recognised other outstanding participants. Obinna-Chukwu Christabel from Regina Pacis College in Abuja secured second place, winning a N5 million grant, while Essien Greatness of the Nigerian Christian Institute in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, took third place with a N3.5 million grant.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Oliver Alawuba, congratulated the winners and highlighted the importance of education across the African continent.

“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,” Alawuba said.

Bola Atta, the Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, expressed her excitement at the growing interest in the competition, particularly from the northern regions of Nigeria.

“We are thrilled to see young minds rise to the challenge of addressing key issues facing our society.

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

In addition to the top three winners, the 20 finalists selected from the regional rounds were also awarded brand-new laptops and other gifts.

The competition continues to inspire and empower Nigeria’s youth, providing them with an invaluable platform to showcase their intellect and creativity.