Nigeria, Nov. 11 -- The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation has awarded a N15 million university scholarship to a 15-year-old student, Khaira Bala of Metro International School, Abuja, for emerging as the overall winner of its 2026 National Essay Competition (NEC).

The winner was unveiled on Tuesday at the headquarters of United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Lagos, alongside four other top finalists who will also receive scholarships to support their university education.

The second-place winner, Unwanabasi Udom of Topfaith International Secondary School, Mkpatak, will receive N10 million, while Flourish Ndamzi of the University of Port Harcourt Women Association International Secondary School, who came third, will receive N7.5 million....