Do senior secondary students in Nigeria aspire to challenge their intellectual abilities and explore the fascinating interface between human and artificial intelligence? The UBA National Essay Competition 2023 offers an arena for such talents, with the potential to win significant educational grants.

The UBA National Essay Competition is an annual event curated with an emphasis on senior secondary students across Nigeria. This initiative, stemming from the UBA Foundation’s dedication to the promotion of literacy and intellectual development, endeavours to enhance the reading culture amongst the youth. Furthermore, it provides a platform for these bright minds to engage in healthy, intellectually stimulating competition not just within Nigeria, but spanning the African continent.

The digital age is characterised by rapid advancements in technology, with artificial intelligence (AI) standing at the forefront. The essay invites students to introspect on the delicate balance between human ingenuity and machine intelligence. It beckons them to outline strategies that would enable AI to serve as an adjunct, rather than a replacement, to human-driven research.

Prizes: A Gateway to Premier African Universities

• 1st Prize: A robust educational grant of N5 million to any African University of the student’s choosing.
• 2nd Prize: N3 million dedicated towards educational expenses in any esteemed African University.
• 3rd Prize: An educational grant amounting to N2.5 million for enrolment in any top-tier African University.

Eligibility: Are You the Ideal Candidate?

Criteria for Participation

• Schooling: The competition is exclusive to Nigerian senior secondary students.
• Identity Proof: A clear passport photograph.
• Verification: A digital copy of a valid means of identification (this could be a birth certificate, a National ID, or a passport data page).

A Rigorous Selection Mechanism: Ensuring Excellence

All essay submissions will undergo meticulous scrutiny by a panel of esteemed judges. This illustrious panel comprises professors affiliated with top-ranking Nigerian universities. From the deluge of entries, only 12 exemplary essays will be shortlisted for a subsequent round. In this decisive phase, the 12 candidates will draft a second, supervised essay. The culmination of this rigorous process will see three essays emerge as the paragons of excellence, their authors deemed the competition’s ultimate victors.

Application Procedure: Your Pathway to Recognition

• Documentation: Upload a digital copy of the original birth certificate or the data page of your international passport.
• Essay Submission: An authentic handwritten essay, ensuring it does not exceed 750 words, needs to be uploaded on the designated portal.
• Deadline: Mark the date – Friday, October 20, 2023. Any submissions post this date will unfortunately not be entertained.

Harness this opportunity, let your voice be heard, and embark on a transformative journey that amalgamates education with innovation.