A 16-year-old student from Everest Heights Int’l Academy, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Tehilah Isimah, has won the top prize in a nationwide essay competition. She will receive N7.5 million to help pay for her university education in any African institution of her choice.
She was also presented with a laptop, a plaque and a trophy. The award was presented to her at the grand finale event held at UBA House in Lagos.
The second and third positions were taken by Obinna-Chukwu Christabel of Regina Pacis College, Abuja, and Essien Emediong of the Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, receiving N5 million and N3.5 million in educational grants, respectively.
Notably, female students dominated the top spots for the third consecutive year, with Master Emediong becoming the first male finalist to secure a top three position in three years.
This year’s National Essay Competition (NEC), which was announced few months ago, recorded an unprecedented milestone, with over 10,000 entries received.
The 20 finalists who emerged as winners from the regional tests were rewarded with brand-new laptops and other educational materials to support their tertiary education.
In his remarks, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, congratulated the winners, emphasising the bank’s goal to promote 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,” Mr Alawuba said.
Speaking at the event, the MD/CEO of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, expressed her excitement at the growing interest in the competition, particularly the increased participation from northern regions.
“We are thrilled to see young minds rise to the challenge of addressing key issues facing our society,” Ms Atta said. “This year’s entries were not only numerous but also of exceptional quality, reflecting the brilliance and creativity of Africa’s next generation.”
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