Tehilah Isimah, a 16-year-old student from Everest Heights International Academy in Gwagwalada-Abuja, has distinguished herself by winning the 14th National Essay Competition (NEC) organized by UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility wing of the United Bank for Africa Group. The final event took place at UBA House, where Isimah was celebrated for her exceptional writing talent. The NEC serves as a platform to highlight the intellectual prowess of senior secondary school students throughout Nigeria and recognizes their contributions to pressing issues impacting society.
As the competition’s overall winner, Isimah secured a significant educational grant of ₦7.5 million, intended to support her university studies at any institution of her choice within Africa. Upon receiving her award, Isimah expressed her joy and gratitude, attributing her success to hard work and prayer. She noted her passion for writing, which, despite her focus on science in school, has always been a pivotal part of her life. Her emotional response underlined the importance of this achievement both for her personal aspirations and her family’s dreams.
In addition to Isimah’s victory, the NEC also honored other outstanding contestants. Obinna-Chukwu Christabel of Regina Pacis College in Abuja secured the second position and won a ₦5 million grant, while Essien Greatness from the Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo, took home a ₦3.5 million grant for finishing third. These awards reflect UBA Foundation’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders in Nigeria, providing them with necessary resources to pursue their education.
Oliver Alawuba, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Bank, praised the winners and emphasized the organization’s dedication to advancing education throughout the African continent. He highlighted the transformative power of education, stating that By investing in knowledge, UBA Foundation empowers individuals to take charge of their futures and instigates broader societal progress. This unwavering commitment to educational assistance is a central part of UBA’s strategic vision and corporate ethos.
Bola Atta, the Managing Director and CEO of UBA Foundation, also commended the heightened interest in the National Essay Competition, particularly noting the increased participation from northern Nigeria. She expressed delight at the quality and quantity of entries this year, which totaled over 10,000. The topics addressed by the students reflected critical societal concerns, such as climate change and environmental sustainability, showcasing the creativity and intelligence of Africa’s youth.
Moreover, all 20 finalists from this year’s competition received brand-new laptops and other prizes, creating incentives for continued excellence in writing and critical thinking. The essay prompt, “The Impact of Carbon Emission on Climate Change in Nigeria: Challenges and Solutions,” not only encouraged students to reflect on essential global issues but also allowed them to propose viable solutions, underscoring the role of young voices in shaping a sustainable future. This year’s NEC not only set a new participation record but also reaffirmed UBA Foundation’s efforts in fostering a culture of learning, creativity, and social responsibility among the youth.
