The UBA Foundation has awarded a combined N40.5 million in educational scholarships to five winners of its 16th National Essay Competition, with the announcement made at a ceremony held on November 10, 2026, at UBA House in Marina, Lagos, Nigeria.
Khaira Ojima Bala, a 15-year-old student from Metro International School in Abuja, claimed first place and the top prize of N15 million in educational grants. She was joined by four other winners: Otobong Ubong (second place, N10 million), Flourish Ndamzi (third place, N7.5 million), Udo God's favour Ezekiel (fourth place, N5 million), and Olivia Anyanwu (fifth place, N3 million).
Beyond the primary cash awards, all five winners received laptops and certificates of recognition. The UBA Foundation extended additional benefits to 15 finalists who did not place in the top five, providing them with laptops and N20,000 credited to their individual UBA accounts as consolation prizes and acknowledgment of their achievement in the competitive essay competition.
The 16th National Essay Competition represents a significant investment by the UBA Foundation in youth education and development across Nigeria. The substantial scholarship amounts underscore the organization's commitment to supporting talented young Nigerians in their pursuit of higher education and academic excellence. The inclusion of technology through laptop distribution reflects the foundation's recognition of the digital tools essential for modern student success.
Winners and finalists are also expected to benefit from mentorship opportunities as part of the broader initiative to develop the next generation of Nigerian leaders and professionals. The competition, which drew submissions from secondary school students nationwide, continues the UBA Foundation's tradition of identifying and nurturing academic talent through its annual essay competition program.
The awards ceremony on November 10, 2026, marked the culmination of months of entries, judging, and evaluation, with the five winners emerging from a competitive field of applicants. The UBA Foundation's continued sponsorship of such initiatives demonstrates the organization's broader commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment across Nigeria.