In a landmark moment, 13-year-old Ebunoluwa Seth Oluwatimilehin, a student at Igando Community Senior High School in Lagos, has become the youngest-ever winner of the UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition (NEC). His victory in the 15th edition of this annual contest is historic, not only because of his age but also because he is the first male winner in more than eight years.
Ebunoluwa earned a university grant worth ₦10 million, which he can use at any African higher-education institution of his choice. At the grand finale held at UBA House in Lagos, he stood out among 11 other finalists to clinch the top prize. All finalists received brand-new laptops and additional educational resources to support their academic journey.
The theme for this year’s competition was: “Nigeria is characterized by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians deploy diversity to build a united nation?” Ebunoluwa’s thoughtful essay evidently impressed the judges, highlighting unity and cooperation across Nigeria’s many communities.
Expressing his excitement, Ebunoluwa said, “I am incredibly grateful and overwhelmed. This competition has shown me that passion and hard work truly pay off. It has been an amazing journey that has deepened my love for writing and expressing my ideas.”
Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director and CEO of UBA, praised the initiative, noting its role in nurturing critical thinking and restoring a culture of reading and writing among young people. He emphasized that UBA’s commitment goes beyond profit, investing in the education and future leadership of Africa’s youth.
Bola Atta, MD/CEO of UBA Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s core mission: giving back through education, economic empowerment, environmental projects, and special initiatives across Africa. She underscored that the foundation is deeply invested in the long-term development of young Africans.
This year’s competition also saw two other top winners: the first runner-up received ₦7.5 million, while the second runner-up was awarded ₦5 million. Thousands of students submitted essays, indicating broad engagement not just in urban centers, but also in more remote communities across Nigeria.
By awarding a ₦10 million grant to a young talent, UBA Foundation injects long-term value into Nigeria’s human capital. This CSR investment may yield future economic returns: nurturing critical thinkers and leaders who can contribute to national productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth, ultimately strengthening the country’s economy.
