Public School Prodigy Triumphs in UBA National Essay Competition

 Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, has formally celebrated the remarkable achievement of 13-year-old Ebunoluwa Oluwatimilehin. A student of Igando Community Senior High School, Ebunoluwa emerged as a standout performer in the prestigious 2025 UBA National Essay Competition. The Commissioner praised the student’s articulate delivery, noting that such academic excellence reflects the success of the state's Education and Technology Agenda.

This victory is particularly historic as Ebunoluwa became the youngest winner in the history of the competition. Competing against thousands of entries from both elite private and public schools nationwide, his success represents a significant breakthrough for the public school system in Lagos. For his brilliant writing and creativity, he was awarded a substantial N10 million educational grant to fund his future academic pursuits.

​The Commissioner also took the opportunity to laud the dedication of teachers in Lagos public schools. He credited their hard work in grooming well-rounded students who are prepared to meet the demands of the future workforce. By fostering an environment where excellence is rewarded, the state government continues to encourage other students to view such competitions as a healthy challenge to improve their own literary and analytical skills

​The competition was a nationwide endeavor, with other top honors going to Njoku-Kelechi Emerald and Bayero Fatima Auwal, who secured second and third places respectively. In addition to the top three grants, all 12 finalists were presented with laptops and various educational materials. This broad recognition highlights the competitive nature of the event and the high level of talent present across the different regions of Nigeria

The UBA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of United Bank for Africa, continues to play a pivotal role in African youth empowerment through this annual competition. By focusing on educational scholarships and poverty alleviation, the foundation provides a platform for underprivileged but talented students to shine. This partnership between the private sector and educational bodies remains a vital catalyst for spotting and nurturing the next generation of African leaders.