Empowering Young Minds: How UBA’s National Essay Competition is Transforming Futures in Sierra Leone
In a society where access to opportunity is often uneven, initiatives that empower young people to discover their voice and potential are not just impactful—they are transformative. One such initiative is the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition (NEC), which, now in its 5th edition, continues to shape the aspirations and futures of students across Sierra Leone.
What began as a simple essay-writing contest has evolved into a powerful national platform for nurturing talent, confidence, and ambition. The competition offers students more than just a topic—it challenges them to think critically, articulate their ideas, and engage meaningfully with issues that matter, while competing for scholarship prizes of up to NLE 50,000.
By its fifth edition, the impact of the NEC is unmistakable. Classrooms have become spaces of creativity and intellectual exploration, with students from diverse backgrounds embracing the opportunity—many discovering, for the first time, the strength and value of their own voices.
Behind every essay lies a story, but few are as compelling as that of Hafeez O. A. Taqi, the competition’s first-ever winner in 2020. Initially burdened by self-doubt, Hafeez questioned whether he truly belonged among some of the brightest young minds in the country.
Yet, he chose to try.
With each word, uncertainty gave way to confidence. His essay became more than just an entry—it became a bold expression of his ideas and identity. Emerging as the inaugural winner was not merely a victory over competitors, but a triumph over self-doubt.
That moment redefined his path. Today, Hafeez is an author, having published Divine, a testament to how one opportunity can ignite a lifelong journey of purpose and creativity.
Hafeez’s journey reflects a broader reality. The NEC has become a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. While scholarship awards remain a strong incentive, participants consistently point to the experience itself as the most valuable reward.
The competition fosters a culture where merit triumphs over circumstance—where students are judged not by their background, but by the strength of their ideas. It is helping to raise a generation of thinkers, writers, and communicators equipped to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
The ripple effects extend far beyond the competition. Students who once hesitated to speak now participate actively in class discussions, debates, and public speaking engagements. Many go on to pursue leadership roles within their schools and communities.
In this way, the initiative aligns closely with broader national goals of youth empowerment and development, reinforcing the idea that young people are not just future leaders—but active contributors to today’s society.
As the UBA Foundation continues to invest in education through initiatives like the NEC, it sends a clear message: opportunity, when met with courage, can transform lives.
The 5th edition of the competition remains open until April 30, 2026—offering students across Sierra Leone a chance to turn potential into purpose.
How to Participate
• Write a handwritten essay
• Include your personal details and parent/teacher contact
• Attach required documents
• Submit at any UBA branch or MBSSE office
Scholarship Awards
• 1st Prize: NLE 50,000
• 2nd Prize: NLE 30,000
• 3rd Prize: NLE 20,000
Take the step. Tell your story. Claim your future.
Because when young people are given the chance to write, they do more than complete an assignment—they begin to rewrite their future.
