The United Bank for Africa Foundation has announced that 20 students have been shortlisted to compete in the final stage of its 2026 National Essay Competition. The finalists will vie for a share of N41 million in educational grants and prizes, with the top five winners receiving the bulk of the award.
The competition, organised by UBA’s philanthropic arm, aims to encourage academic excellence and critical thinking among Nigerian students. Participants were required to submit essays on themes relevant to national development, and a panel of judges shortlisted the most compelling entries.
According to the Foundation, the 20 finalists represent a diverse range of schools and regions across the country. The top five will be awarded the largest portions of the N41 million prize pool, which will be used to support further studies and academic projects.
While the announcement did not disclose the names of the finalists, the Foundation confirmed that the winners will be announced in a forthcoming ceremony. The competition is part of UBA’s ongoing efforts to invest in the country’s human capital.
For more details, readers can refer to the original report published by Punch Nigeria.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>