The UBA Foundation has opened entries for the 2026 National Essay Competition (NEC), offering a total of N41 million in educational grants and prizes to the top five winners. Now in its 16th year, the competition is open to Nigerian senior secondary school students and aims to promote writing, creativity, and critical thinking while supporting winners with funding for university education. This year's edition focuses on Nigeria's food security challenge, with participants writing on the topic: "No nation can develop without food security. How can Nigeria deal with this problem?"
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the competition, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Status: Must be a Nigerian senior secondary school student.
- Essay Length: Submit a handwritten essay of not more than 750 words.
- Documents: Upload a recent passport photograph and an accepted proof of identity or age alongside the essay.
Prizes
- First Place: N15 million university grant, up from N10 million in 2025.
- Second Place: N10.5 million.
- Third Place: N7.5 million.
- Fourth Place: N5 million.
- Fifth Place: N3.5 million.
Grants can be used to support university education at any African university of the winner's choice. This year's edition also introduces educational grants for the fourth and fifth place winners, expanding the number of students who receive financial support.
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How to Apply
Applicants should complete the online application form and upload their handwritten essay, a passport photograph, and proof of identity or age through the competition's digital portal before the deadline of October 23, 2026.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
