In a remarkable achievement for young Nigerians, Ebunoluwa Oluwatimilehin, a 13-year-old student of Igando Community Senior High School, has made history as the youngest winner in the 15-year history of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition.
His victory also ended an eight-year run of female champions, marking a significant milestone in the competition’s legacy.
The Senior Secondary 2 student emerged as the overall champion at the grand finale held in Lagos, standing out among thousands of entries from both public and private schools across the country.
Observers noted that his win was especially significant given that public-school students have historically faced disadvantages in a contest often dominated by candidates from more privileged backgrounds.
In recognition of his accomplishment, Ebunoluwa received an educational grant of N10 million, which he may use for tertiary education at any accredited institution across Africa.
Brimming with excitement, the young scholar reflected on the journey:“This competition has shown me that dedication and effort truly pay off.
” I am grateful and inspired to continue writing and expressing my ideas.”
The runner-up, Njoku-Kelechi Emerald from Christian International High School in Owerri, was awarded N7.5 million, while the third-place prize of N5 million went to Bayero Fatima Auwal of Cornerstone Montessori Schools in Abuja.
In addition to the monetary awards, all 12 finalists received laptops and educational resources to support their academic growth.
This year’s competition drew entries from across Nigeria, including remote and rural communities, reflecting UBA Foundation’s commitment to fostering literacy and creative expression among the youth nationwide.
Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director and CEO of UBA, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, explaining that it was designed not only to reward talent but also to promote a culture of reading and writing among young Nigerians.
Alawuba underscored the bank’s values of inclusivity and diversity, emphasising that participation in UBA programs is not determined by ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic background.
“Diversity is a strength. When you get it right in Africa, you set an example for the world,” he said..
Bola Atta, Managing Director and CEO of UBA Foundation, praised all participants for their creativity and dedication, stressing that education remains a powerful tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.
“For 15 years, this programme has been at the heart of our mission to uplift young people. Investing in education today ensures a brighter future for the continent tomorrow,” Atta said.
The UBA Foundation continued to engage in initiatives across Africa, supporting scholarships, healthcare, and poverty alleviation projects, with a particular focus on empowering underprivileged communities.
Ebunoluwa’s achievement is being celebrated as a triumph for public-school students and a testament to the transformative power of education and perseverance in shaping the next generation of leaders.
