UBA National Essay Competition 2025 for Nigerian Students: How to apply

The UBA Foundation has officially announced the 2025 National Essay Competition, giving Nigerian secondary school students a chance to win scholarships worth ₦22.5 million. This annual contest, one of the most recognized educational initiatives in Africa, seeks to promote reading culture and intellectual growth among young Nigerians.

With thousands of entries expected, the competition will reward the best three essays with life-changing scholarship grants to study at any university of choice in Nigeria. Here’s everything you need to know about the application process, eligibility, and rewards.

What is the 2025 UBA National Essay Competition About?

The competition is organized by the UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA). Over the years, it has become one of the most prestigious essay contests in Nigeria, encouraging students to think critically and express themselves through writing.

The 2025 essay topic challenges participants to explore Nigeria’s diversity:
“Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians deploy diversity to build a united nation?”

This theme underscores the importance of unity and inclusivity in building a stronger future for the country.

Prizes for Winners

Winners of the competition will receive scholarship grants to any Nigerian university of their choice:

• First Prize: ₦7.5 million
• Second Prize: ₦5 million
• Third Prize: ₦3.5 million

In total, ₦22.5 million will be awarded, making this one of the most rewarding student essay contests in Africa. Beyond financial benefits, winners gain national recognition, exposure, and opportunities for future academic success.

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Who is Eligible to Apply?

The competition is open exclusively to senior secondary school students in Nigeria. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a recognized Nigerian secondary school.
• Submit a passport photograph.
• Provide a scanned copy of a valid means of identification (birth certificate, National ID, or international passport).

This ensures that the scholarship benefits only deserving students within the target age group.

How to Apply for the 2025 UBA Essay Competition

Interested candidates can submit their entries online through the official UBA Foundation portal. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the UBA Foundation website.
2. Upload your handwritten essay (not exceeding 750 words) on the given topic.
3. Attach a scanned copy of your birth certificate or passport data page.
4. Review your essay to ensure it meets the word limit and quality standards before final submission.

Applications close on October 12, 2025, so students are encouraged to apply early.

FAQ — 2025 UBA National Essay Competition

Q1: What is the UBA National Essay Competition 2025?

A1: The UBA National Essay Competition 2025 is an annual writing contest organized by the UBA Foundation for senior secondary school students in Nigeria. The contest promotes reading, critical thinking and healthy intellectual competition while awarding scholarships to top winners.

Q2: Who is eligible to enter the 2025 UBA essay contest?

A2: Eligibility is limited to Nigerian senior secondary school students (SSS level). Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized Nigerian secondary school and provide the required ID and documents during submission.

Q3: What is the 2025 UBA essay topic?

A3: The 2025 essay prompt is: “Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians deploy diversity to build a united nation?”

Q4: What is the word limit and format for the essay?

A4: Essays must be handwritten and not more than 750 words, per the competition rules. Applicants are required to scan and upload the handwritten essay to the UBA Foundation portal.

Q5: What prizes and scholarships are available?

A5: The 2025 competition awards a total of ₦22.5 million in scholarships: ₦7.5 million for the winner, ₦5 million for the first runner-up, and ₦3.5 million for the second runner-up. Scholarships are educational grants for undergraduate study at Nigerian institutions.

Q6: When is the application deadline?

A6: The submission deadline for entries is October 12, 2025. Applicants should submit well before the cutoff to avoid technical issues.

Q7: How do I submit an application for the UBA essay competition?

A7: To apply, visit the UBA Foundation website, register or sign in to the competition portal, upload your handwritten essay (scanned), attach a passport photograph, and upload a scanned means of identification (birth certificate, National ID, or passport). Then complete and submit the online form.

Q8: Can applicants from other African countries apply?

A8: The 2025 edition is targeted at Nigerian senior secondary students. Confirmed eligibility in the promotional details limits entry to Nigeria only.

Q9: Is IELTS or other language test required?

A9: No. IELTS or similar English proficiency tests are not required for this national competition.

Q10: What identification documents are acceptable?

A10: Acceptable IDs include a birth certificate, national identity card (NIN), or international passport. Scanned copies must be uploaded during application.

Q11: Do I need to mail the handwritten essay or only upload a scan?

A11: You only need to scan and upload your handwritten essay on the UBA Foundation portal. Keep the original in case it’s requested later.

Q12: How are essays judged and what are the selection criteria?

A12: Essays are typically evaluated on relevance to the topic, originality, clarity, structure, grammar, critical thinking, and depth of ideas. The UBA Foundation appoints judges and sets scoring rubrics for fairness.

Q13: When will winners be announced?

A13: Exact announcement dates are issued by UBA Foundation after the deadline. Check the official UBA Foundation website and their verified social channels for winner announcements and result updates.

Q14: Can winners use the scholarship at any Nigerian university?

A14: Yes. The scholarship awards are educational grants intended to support winners’ undergraduate degrees at any accredited Nigerian university of their choice.

Q15: Are group essays or co-authored submissions allowed?

A15: No. Submissions must be individual and original works by a single eligible student. Group or co-authored essays will be disqualified.

Q16: What happens if my scanned documents are illegible?

A16: Illegible or incomplete documents may lead to disqualification. Ensure scans are clear, all text is readable, and files meet the portal’s size and format requirements.

Q17: Can I edit my submission after I upload it?

A17: Portal editing policies vary. It’s safest to proofread and finalize your essay and documents before uploading. If corrections are needed, contact the UBA Foundation support channels immediately.

Q18: Are there entry fees?

A18: No entry fee is required to apply; the UBA National Essay Competition is typically free to enter for eligible students. Confirm on the official portal before submitting.

Q19: How can I prepare a winning essay for the UBA competition?

A19: Tips: answer the prompt directly, plan an outline, use strong introductions and conclusions, support ideas with examples, show originality, proofread for grammar, and maintain the 750-word limit. Practice handwritten essays to ensure legibility.

Q20: Who can I contact for queries or technical issues?

A20: Use the UBA Foundation’s official contact/support page on their website or the contact details provided on the competition portal. Avoid unofficial social media pages for submission support.

Q21: Is there a shortlist or regional rounds?

A21: The competition is national. UBA Foundation typically shortlists top entries for final judging. Specifics about shortlist announcements and regional processes, if any, are posted on the official competition page.

Q22: What are common reasons entries get disqualified?

A22: Disqualifications may occur for plagiarism, exceeding the word limit, submitting typed instead of handwritten essays, missing ID documents, illegible scans, or submitting multiple entries.

Q23: Can schools submit on behalf of students?

A23: Individual students should submit their own entries. Schools may promote the competition and help students prepare, but each student must register and upload their own handwritten essay and documents.

Q24: Will there be feedback provided to entrants?

A24: The UBA Foundation does not typically provide individualized feedback to all entrants due to volume, but announcements and highlights of winners are shared publicly. Schools and students can use published winner essays as learning resources.

Q25: Where can I find the official competition rules and terms?

A25: The official rules, terms and conditions, and submission portal are on the UBA Foundation website under the National Essay Competition section. Always consult the official page for authoritative guidance.