13-Year-Old Seth Emerges Winner of UBA Foundation National Essay Competition
History was made in Lagos on Tuesday as 13-year-old Ebunoluwa Seth Oluwatimilehin of Igando Community Senior High School, Lagos, became the overall winner of the 15th UBA Foundation National Essay Competition. His victory marks him as the youngest winner in the 15-year history of the competition and the first male winner in over eight years, as female students have predominantly dominated previous editions.
Ebunoluwa, a public school student in SS2, earned the grand prize of a N10 million educational grant, which he can use to pursue higher education at any African institution of his choice. Speaking after his win, he shared his excitement and gratitude, saying, “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.”
The competition also recognised other outstanding students. Njoku-Kelechi Emerald of Christian International High School, Owerri, secured second place with a N7.5 million educational grant, while Bayero Fatima Auwal of Cornerstone Montessori Schools, Gudu, Abuja, took third place, winning a N5 million educational grant.
In addition to the monetary prizes, all 12 finalists received brand-new laptops and educational materials to support their studies. The 2025 edition of the competition drew thousands of entries, with notable participation from both urban and rural communities across Nigeria, highlighting the growing interest in writing and literary skills among Nigerian youth.
UBA Group Managing Director and CEO, Oliver Alawuba, praised the Foundation’s 15-year commitment to nurturing young talent. He emphasised that the essay competition plays a strategic role in reviving a culture of reading and writing among young Nigerians, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.
The competition continues to serve as a platform for students to showcase their writing abilities, express innovative ideas, and gain recognition for academic excellence. Ebunoluwa’s achievement is celebrated not only for the prize but also as an inspiration to young Nigerians aspiring to excel in writing and academics.
Tips and Recommendations:
- Encourage students to participate in essay competitions to enhance critical thinking and writing skills.
- Leverage educational grants to pursue quality higher education opportunities across Africa.
- Teachers and parents should mentor young writers to cultivate a culture of reading and self-expression.
This landmark victory reinforces the importance of platforms like the UBA Foundation essay competition in developing Nigeria’s next generation of scholars and creative thinkers.
