13-Year-Old Public School Student Ebunoluwa Seth Wins 15th UBA Foundation Essay Competition, Clinching ₦10 Million Educational Grant

History was made in Lagos yesterday, Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as 13-year-old Ebunoluwa Seth Oluwatimilehin, a student of Igando Community Senior High School, Igando, emerged as the overall winner of the 15th UBA Foundation National Essay Competition (NEC). His victory set a record as he became the youngest champion in the competition’s 15-year history.

Master Ebunoluwa, a Senior Secondary (SS2) student from a public school, also broke a prolonged streak, becoming the first male student to win the prestigious award in over eight years, ending a long period of female dominance.

His outstanding essay earned him the coveted grand prize of a ₦10 million educational grant, which he can deploy for his tertiary education at any higher institution of his choice across the African continent.

Passion and Perseverance Pays Off

An elated Ebunoluwa expressed gratitude during the award ceremony held at the UBA House in Lagos, attributing his success to dedication and perseverance.

“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,” Ebunoluwa said.

The first runner-up, Njoku-Kelechi Emerald of Christian International High School, Owerri, received a ₦7.5 million educational grant, while the third-place prize of ₦5 million was awarded to Bayero, Fatima Auwal of Cornerstone Montessori Schools, Abuja. Additionally, all 12 finalists were presented with brand-new laptops and other educational materials to support their academic pursuits.

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, commended the Foundation’s 15-year commitment to the initiative, explaining its strategic role in reviving a culture of reading and writing among African youth. The Managing Director/CEO of the UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, confirmed that the prize money was significantly increased to ensure the young winners are well-cushioned from the effects of inflation as they pursue their academic futures.