UBA Essay Competition Winner sets record as 13-year-old Lagos student becomes youngest champion in the contest’s 15-year history

Lagos witnessed a remarkable milestone on Tuesday as 13-year-old Ebunoluwa Seth Oluwatimilehin of Igando Community Senior High School emerged as the overall winner of the 15th UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, becoming the youngest champion since the programme began.

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The SS2 student, who also made history as the first male winner in more than eight years, secured the grand prize of a ten-million-naira educational grant.

The award will fund his future studies at any higher institution in Africa, marking a transformative moment for the public school pupil.

Speaking with visible excitement, Ebunoluwa said he felt “grateful and overwhelmed,” adding that the competition reaffirmed his belief that passion and perseverance lead to success. His victory, which has already inspired many within his community, was described by organisers as a powerful reminder of the talent found in public schools across Nigeria.

The second-place prize of seven-and-a-half million naira went to Njoku-Kelechi Emerald of Christian International High School, Owerri, while the third prize of five million naira was awarded to Fatima Auwal Bayero of Cornerstone Montessori Schools, Abuja.

All twelve finalists also received laptops and educational materials to support their studies.

This year’s edition attracted several thousands of entries, drawing participation from rural communities as well as major cities, a development UBA executives described as an encouraging sign of expanding educational engagement.

UBA Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba applauded the Foundation’s consistent commitment over fifteen years, noting its role in rebuilding a vibrant reading and writing culture among young Africans.

He emphasised the power of diversity, describing it as a vital ingredient for Africa’s growth and unity.

The Managing Director of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, expressed deep appreciation to stakeholders, highlighting education as the most powerful tool for development.

She described the initiative as a long-standing investment in the continent’s youth and a driver of hope for its future.

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UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the UBA Group, continues to support communities through scholarship schemes, environmental programmes, healthcare interventions and economic empowerment efforts, reaffirming its mission to uplift lives across Africa.