Adedapo Salmon
In a heartfelt interview, Ikenna Obinna Ugwuegbulam opens up about the profound impact of losing his father to cancer at a young age. The tragedy weighed heavily on him, especially since his father never had the chance to see him start his university journey. Ikenna remembers that, motivated by his father, he had applied for the United Bank for Africa’s (UBA) Foundation’s National Essay Competition (NEC) that year. Winning the educational grant provided through the competition helped him navigate what he describes as one of the darkest times in his life—losing his dad right before he entered higher education.
Reflecting on his experience, Ikenna, who won the 2021 edition of the NEC, emphasizes that the competition represented so much more than just a chance to write; it was an opportunity rooted in his father’s love and aspirations for him. “My dad inspired me to join after he saw my classmate recognized as a winner in earlier editions,” he recalls. The memory of his father’s pride when he was crowned the winner is one Ikenna cherishes to this day.
“The grant made my university education financially seamless,” he adds. Now a Product Manager at Kuda Bank with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Lagos, Ikenna embodies the UBA Foundation’s mission to empower African youth through education.
His story is just one of many that illustrate the NEC’s impact—an initiative from the UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of UBA Plc. This initiative is dedicated to improving the socio-economic conditions in the communities it serves, with a particular focus on education, environment, economic empowerment, and special projects.
For 14 years, the NEC has been changing lives. This competition invites senior secondary school students from across Nigeria to tackle thought-provoking topics, challenging them to think critically and articulate their ideas.
Recently, UBA Foundation launched the 2024 essay competition, promising to elevate the initiative to new heights. The competition has been restructured to introduce a multi-tiered approach starting with the selection of the top 75 entries from thousands of applicants. Each of these 75 will receive a cash prize of N75,000.
After this initial phase, a second round will take place in four regions—Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt—where the selected candidates will compete for a spot among the top 20 finalists. They will be tasked with writing a final essay to identify the top three winners.
The competition does not merely provide financial support; it also serves as a platform for participants to uncover their potential. Take, for instance, Fehintoluwa Miriam Fabelurin, a final-year science student who decided to apply after her English teacher encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. “It felt doable, even as a science student,” she said. “The competition unlocked my best writing and research skills and pushed me to discover potential I didn’t know I had.”
Her leap of faith proved rewarding; she was announced as one of the 12 finalists, ultimately becoming the overall winner. Now, as she completes her housemanship at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido Ekiti, Fehintoluwa’s journey from essay winner to medical professional exemplifies the long-term impact of the Foundation’s initiative. “The scholarship supported me throughout medical school, allowing me to focus on my studies without the stress of financial burdens,” she emphasized.
Nwajiaku-Nwadike Vivian, who secured third place in the 2011 competition, echoes this sentiment. Now a practicing lawyer passionate about justice, she credits the Foundation with being instrumental in her journey. “Winning the essay competition and receiving the education grant was a defining moment for me,” she shared, “The support allowed me to complete my law degree free from distractions.”
The ripple effect of the UBA Foundation’s initiative is about more than individual triumphs; it’s about fostering a generation of confident African youths eager to make a difference. Bola Atta, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, noted the transformational potential of quality education in Africa. “True development starts with education,” she asserted. “With a youthful population, these young individuals are crucial to improving our continent’s future. Providing them access to quality education is essential, as they will grow into future leaders, administrators, and advocates for human rights.”
Atta explained that the strength of any society lies in its people, with quality education forming the foundation of human capital. “When we invest in education, we uplift entire communities. Each educated child symbolizes not just personal success but also a catalyst for positive societal change,” she remarked.
In response to Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including inflation and rising tertiary school tuition, the Foundation made a commendable decision to double the educational grants for participants. The first-place winner will receive a N7.5 million grant to study at any African university, with the second and third place recipients awarded N5 million and N3.5 million, respectively, showcasing the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, even in tough financial times.
Professor Asabe Kabir Usman, a long-time judge of the NEC, spoke about the impressive quality of essays submitted in previous years. She expressed amazement at the insight young students bring to complex issues. “The competition offers a platform for authentic voices and fresh perspectives on contemporary topics,” she explained. “It’s rewarding to witness how that initial spark of curiosity blossoms into meaningful careers and contributions to society.”
The inspiring journeys of Ikenna, Fehintoluwa, Vivian, and others highlight the hundreds of lives transformed through this competition. Every year, as new winners emerge and dreams of education come to fruition, the UBA Foundation reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the potential of African youth.
Fehintoluwa’s advice resonates strongly: “I encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, register, participate in this competition, and try new things. You never know where it might lead you in the future.” Her words embody the spirit of the UBA Foundation’s mission: to create opportunities, nurture potential, and open doors to brighter futures.
