The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition is a prestigious yearly contest for Nigerian senior secondary school students. It encourages writing skills, critical thinking, and offers generous educational grants. This detailed guide will show you, in simple steps, exactly how to register and succeed in the competition.
1. Check Eligibility Criteria
Before you start, ensure you meet the requirements:
- You must be a Nigerian senior secondary school student (SSS 1 to SSS 3).
- You need a valid Birth Certificate, National ID, or International Passport.
- Be ready to write a handwritten essay (no typing allowed).
- You must upload a recent passport photograph of yourself.
Meeting these criteria is essential—late entries or missing documents may be rejected :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
2. Know the Essay Topic and Length
The annual essay theme changes each year. For example, the 2024 topic was:
“The Impact of Carbon Emission on Climate Change in Nigeria: Discuss the Challenges and Proffer Solutions.” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The essay must be handwritten, in your own handwriting, and must not exceed 750 words :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
3. Prepare Your Essay
Here is how to prepare your handwritten essay:
- Choose neat paper: Use clean lined or plain paper.
- Write in clear handwriting: Make sure it is easy to read.
- Include word count: Count your words to stay under 750.
- Add your personal details: At the top, write your name, school, class, and essay topic.
- Structure your essay :
- Introduction – Introduce the topic briefly.
- Body – Write at least two paragraphs discussing causes, effects, and solutions.
- Conclusion – Summarize all key points.
After writing, scan or photograph each page clearly in **PDF or JPEG format**.
4. Gather Required Documents
You must upload several documents when registering online:
- A scanned copy of your handwritten essay.
- A passport photograph – recent, clear headshot.
- A scanned copy of your Birth Certificate, National ID, or International Passport.
Scan in good quality, with clear brightness and legible text.
5. Visit the UBA Foundation Competition Portal
Registration is done online. Head to the UBA Foundation website and find the National Essay Competition page.
The UBA website shares news and a “Click here to apply” link :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. The portal is usually open from October to early November.
6. Complete the Application Form
Online, you will see an electronic form requesting your:
- Full Name (Surname, First Name, Other names)
- Date of Birth
- Parent/Guardian’s Phone & Email
- Residential Address (City and State)
- School Name, Address & Phone
- Teacher’s Name & Phone Number
- State of Origin
- Preferred Test Location (Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt)
Fill in all fields accurately and check your details before submitting :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
7. Upload Supporting Documents
Once the form is complete, upload your files:
- Scanned handwritten essay
- Passport photo
- Scanned ID document
Ensure each upload is clear and legible. Double-check filenames and formats before submission.
8. Submit Your Application
After reviewing all information and uploads, click the Submit button. You should see a confirmation message saying your entry has been received.
Keep any confirmation email or screen for your records—this proves you applied on time.
9. Know the Deadlines
Timeliness is vital:
- Entries often close in late October or early November (e.g., Nov 8 for 2024) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted.
10. After Submission: Testing and Shortlisting
Following submission:
- Regional Shortlist – The best 75 essays receive N75,000 and are invited to regional tests in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, or Port Harcourt :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Finalists – About 20 finalists sit another supervised essay to pick the top three.
- Winners – 1st place wins N7.5 million, 2nd gets N5 million, and 3rd gets N3.5 million :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
11. Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early: Plan weeks ahead to perfect your handwriting and content.
- Research well: Read reports or articles related to your topic to boost your ideas.
- Follow word limit: Stay under 750 words and include word count.
- Edit & Proofread: Ask teachers or family members to check your work.
- Practice writing: Write drafts by hand to build neat, readable text.
- Be original: Use your own words and honest views—judges value unique thinking.
- Upload carefully: Use good lighting to scan documents—avoid blurriness.
12. Why You Should Participate
This competition is not just for prizes—it helps you:
- Develop writing and research skills.
- Gain confidence in expressing ideas.
- Earn recognition—75 regional winners receive cash, and finalists earn laptops.
- Receive educational grants that can fund your future studies.
- Join a network of smart young writers across Africa.
13. Real Success Stories
Over the years, many students have won and advanced through this competition:
- 2024 winners: Isimah Tehilah Oluchukwu (1st), Obinna-Chukwu Chikamara (2nd), Essien Greatness Emediong (3rd) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- 2023: Onaro Adaeze Chukwuazolem, Abdulhameed Khadijah, Chukwuma‑Okoh Naomi :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- 2022: Otong Usunubong Paul, Princess Sholabomi, Sharon Nwajiaku :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Many have used the grant to study at top universities—proof that participation brings real benefits.
14. Additional Support from UBA Foundation
The competition is part of a broader educational effort by UBA Foundation:
- Read Africa: a project that distributes books to schools across Nigeria and Africa :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Teacher rewards: schools with high participation may earn prizes.
- Regional events: finalists attend special essay assessments in major cities :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
15. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a typed essay accidentally (must be handwritten).
- Writing beyond 750 words or failing to add word count.
- Using unclear photos or scans.
- Missing essay title or leaving out personal details.
16. Celebrate and Follow Up
After submission:
- Watch your phone and email for calls about regional tests.
- If shortlisted, prepare by reviewing essay topics, practicing handwriting, and staying calm.
- Whether you win or not, congratulate yourself—writing well is a skill for life!
Conclusion
Registering for the UBA Essay Competition is a clear, step-by-step process. It begins with making sure you qualify, and ends with submitting a polished, handwritten essay before the deadline. As long as you plan ahead, research the topic, write clearly, and submit on time, you have a great chance to be selected for the next stages. Not only could you win money for your education, but you’ll also gain confidence, improved writing skills, and pride in your work.
So begin now—get your pen and paper ready, review the steps above, and take your shot at this wonderful opportunity. Good luck!