History was made in Lagos on November 18, 2025, when Ebunoluwa Seth Oluwatimilehin, a Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2) student at Igando Community Senior High School, won the 15th edition of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition (NEC).
Youngest winner ever: At just 13 years old, Seth became the youngest participant to win in the competition’s 15-year history.
First male winner in 8 years: The contest has been dominated by female winners in recent years, making Seth’s victory a notable milestone.
Grand prize: He received a ₦10 million educational grant, which will fund his future studies at any African higher institution of his choice.
The UBA Foundation NEC is one of Africa’s most prestigious student essay contests, designed to promote literacy and critical thinking among secondary school students. Thousands of entries were submitted nationwide, with Seth’s essay standing out for its originality, clarity, and depth.
An elated Seth expressed gratitude, saying: “I am incredibly grateful and overwhelmed. This competition has shown me that passion and hard work truly pay off.” themomentng.com
UBA Foundation officials praised Seth’s achievement, noting that his success reflects the potential of public school students when given equal opportunities. The competition continues to serve as a platform for nurturing young African talent and encouraging academic excellence.
