UBA Foundation Launches 2025/2026 National Essay Competition to Empower Sierra Leonean Youth
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The UBA Foundation, through United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone, officially launched the 2025/2026 edition of its prestigious National Essay Competition on March 13, 2026. The event took place at the conference hall of New Brookfields Hotel and brought together an array of stakeholders from across the education sector, reflecting the competition’s growing national significance.
Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), representatives of the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ), school administrators, pupils, educators, and members of the media. The gathering underscored the collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector in fostering educational initiatives that develop critical thinking and civic awareness among young people.
Minister Unveils This Year’s Essay Topic
In his keynote address, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, officially announced this year’s essay topic: “Gender-Based Violence in Schools: Causes, Consequences and Solutions.”
The Minister explained that the theme is designed to encourage pupils to engage thoughtfully with social issues that affect their communities. “By exploring the causes and consequences of gender-based violence in schools, students are empowered to propose innovative solutions that can contribute to safer and more inclusive learning environments,” he said. He further commended UBA for its sustained commitment to education in Sierra Leone, noting that initiatives like this go beyond financial support, shaping the values, skills, and future opportunities of the nation’s youth.
UBA Leadership Highlights Competition’s Impact
Speaking on behalf of UBA Sierra Leone’s leadership, the Chief Operating Officer, Chiedu Ngene, delivered greetings from the Managing Director and CEO, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, as well as the CEO of the UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, and the bank’s board, management, and staff.
Ngene expressed gratitude to the Ministry and ILRAJ for their partnership and collaboration in selecting this year’s essay theme and coordinating the competition. “The continued support of these key partners ensures that the competition remains relevant, impactful, and nationally recognized,” he stated.
He highlighted the remarkable growth of the initiative since its inception, revealing that between 2020 and 2023, the competition received over 1,500 essays from students representing more than 500 schools nationwide. Beyond these impressive figures, Ngene emphasized that the most inspiring outcome has been the life-changing impact on the participating students, noting that several past winners are now enrolled in universities, with one currently serving as a Legal Officer at the bank.
ILRAJ Commends UBA and Government Collaboration
Board Member of ILRAJ, Martin Michael, described the organization as an independent and nonpartisan institution committed to promoting human rights and the rule of law in Sierra Leone. He praised UBA for sustaining and expanding the competition, acknowledging that the Ministry’s involvement has given the initiative national credibility.
“The 2025/2026 edition of the UBA National Essay Competition will reach all sixteen districts of Sierra Leone through extensive school engagement and media outreach, ensuring that students from every region have the opportunity to participate,” Michael said.
Fostering a Culture of Intellectual Engagement
The UBA National Essay Competition is a core component of the UBA Foundation’s broader education initiatives, which aim to cultivate a culture of reading, research, and intellectual expression among secondary school pupils across Africa.
The Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Sierra Leone, Sallieu Sesay, described the competition as more than just an academic contest. “It serves as a powerful platform to inspire creativity, intellectual growth, and academic excellence among young people. We are proud to create opportunities where students can express themselves while contributing meaningfully to national discourse,” he said.
Closing Remarks
The event concluded with heartfelt appreciation from the Project Coordinator at ILRAJ, Fatima Forna, who thanked the UBA Foundation, UBA Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, and all partner organizations for their continued support in making the competition possible.
Through initiatives like the UBA National Essay Competition, UBA Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to education, youth empowerment, and the development of future leaders, ensuring that Sierra Leonean students have platforms to learn, innovate, and actively participate in shaping the nation’s future.
