The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition 2026 is now open to eligible Nigerian senior secondary school students who want to showcase their writing skills, critical thinking and knowledge while competing for educational grants. The annual competition is organised by UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA), as part of its education initiatives across Africa.
For the 2026 edition, UBA Foundation has announced a total of N41 million in educational grants and prizes for the top five winners. The first-place winner will receive a N15 million university grant, while the second, third, fourth and fifth-place winners will receive N10.5 million, N7.5 million, N5 million and N3.5 million respectively. The grants can be used towards university education at an African university of the winner’s choice.
UBA Foundation National Essay Competition 2026 Topic
The 2026 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition topic is:
“No Nation Can Develop Without Food Security. How Can Nigeria Deal With This Problem?”
The topic requires students to examine Nigeria’s food security challenges and present practical, sustainable solutions. Participants should demonstrate clear understanding of the issue, logical reasoning, originality and strong writing ability.
Who Can Apply for the UBA Foundation Essay Competition?
To apply for the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition 2026, you must meet the eligibility requirement set by the Foundation.
Applicants must be Nigerian senior secondary school students. This means the competition is specifically targeted at students currently enrolled at the senior secondary school level in Nigeria.
Requirements for UBA Foundation National Essay Competition 2026
Before starting your application, prepare the required documents. According to the official competition information, applicants need:
- A completed online application form
- A handwritten essay of not more than 750 words
- A recent passport photograph
- A scanned copy of a valid birth certificate, National ID card or international passport
One important detail applicants should note is that the essay must be handwritten, not typed. Ensure that your handwriting is clear and that the complete essay can be scanned and uploaded properly.
How to Apply for UBA Foundation National Essay Competition 2026
Applying for the competition involves completing the online application and submitting the required documents.
Step 1: Visit the Official UBA Foundation Competition Page
Go to the official UBA Foundation National Essay Competition page and locate the application section. Always use UBA’s official website when submitting your entry to avoid unofficial application links.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Provide the information requested on the online application form. Check every detail carefully before submitting because incorrect or incomplete information could affect your application.
Step 3: Write Your Essay
Write your response to the 2026 topic: “No Nation Can Develop Without Food Security. How Can Nigeria Deal With This Problem?”
Your essay must not exceed 750 words. Focus on the question, explain the problem clearly and provide realistic solutions relevant to Nigeria.
Step 4: Scan Your Handwritten Essay
After completing the handwritten essay, scan it clearly. Make sure all pages are readable and uploaded in the required format.
Step 5: Upload Your Supporting Documents
Upload your recent passport photograph and one of the accepted identification documents: birth certificate, National ID card or international passport.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
The official UBA Foundation announcement states that the deadline for submitting entries is Friday, October 23, 2026.
Tips for Writing a Strong UBA Foundation Essay
Students should research food security in Nigeria before writing. Consider issues such as agricultural productivity, food storage, transportation, climate-related challenges, access to farming inputs and support for farmers.
Avoid simply listing problems. Explain how proposed solutions could work in practice. Your essay should have a clear introduction, well-developed arguments and a strong conclusion.
Most importantly, remain within the 750-word limit and make sure the final handwritten copy is neat and legible.
What Happens After Application?
UBA Foundation states that the competition has a two-stage structure. In the first stage, 20 of the best essays are selected. These shortlisted candidates then proceed to a final physical test, from which five winners emerge.
The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition has been organised annually since 2011 and is designed to encourage reading, writing, intellectual development and healthy competition among students.
If you are eligible for the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition 2026, start preparing your essay and supporting documents early. Carefully follow the application requirements, stay within the 750-word limit and submit through the official UBA Foundation channel before the stated deadline.
Written by Favour Akinyeye
An 88Lately Staff Writer
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