History was made in Lagos on Tuesday as 13-year-old Ebunoluwa Seth Oluwatimilehin, a student of Igando Community Senior High School, emerged as the overall winner of the 15th UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, becoming the youngest winner in the competition’s 15-year history.

Ebunoluwa, a public school student in SS2, also broke an eight-year streak by becoming the first male winner in recent years, as female students had dominated previous editions. He was awarded a N10 million educational grant to support his future studies at any African higher institution of his choice.

In a statement, an elated Ebunoluwa said, “I am incredibly grateful and overwhelmed. This competition has shown me that passion and hard work truly pay off. It has been an amazing journey that has deepened my love for writing and expressing my ideas.”

The second-place prize went to Njoku-Kelechi Emerald of Christian International High School, Owerri, who received a N7.5 million educational grant, while third place was awarded to Bayero Fatima Auwal of Cornerstone Montessori Schools, Gudu, Abuja, with a N5 million educational grant.

All 12 finalists also received brand-new laptops and other educational materials to support their studies.

The 2025 edition attracted thousands of entries, with strong participation from both major cities and rural communities across Nigeria.

UBA Group Managing Director/CEO Oliver Alawuba commended the Foundation’s 15-year commitment to the initiative, highlighting the competition’s role in fostering a culture of reading and writing among the nation’s youth.