The UBA Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 National Essay Competition, giving Nigerian senior secondary school students an opportunity to win a share of ₦41 million in educational grants and prizes.

The annual competition promotes reading, critical thinking and intellectual development among young Nigerians. The five winners will receive financial support intended to fund their university education at an African university of their choice.

This year’s essay topic is: “No Nation Can Develop Without Food Security. How Can Nigeria Deal With This Problem?”

Participants are expected to examine the challenges affecting food security in Nigeria and propose practical, sustainable solutions.

The competition offers ₦15 million to the first-place winner, ₦10.5 million to the second-place winner and ₦7.5 million to the third-place winner. The fourth-place winner will receive ₦5 million, while the fifth-place winner will receive ₦3.5 million.

To qualify, applicants must be Nigerian senior secondary school students and complete the online application process. Each participant must submit a handwritten essay of no more than 750 words, as typed submissions will not be accepted.

Applicants must also upload a recent passport photograph and a scanned copy of an accepted identification document: a birth certificate, National ID card or international passport.

Applications are available through the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition page. Students must complete the online form, prepare their essays by hand, upload the required documents and review their submissions before completing the process.

According to the foundation, the first stage of the competition will shortlist 20 outstanding essays. A final physical assessment will then determine the five winners.

The application deadline is October 23, 2026.

Source: UBA Foundation