Meet Otong Usungobong Paul, the 15-year-old recipient of N5 million UBA Foundation Scholarship
Otong Usungobong Paul, a student of Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio-Itong, Akwa-Ibom State, is the winner of the UBA Foundation national essay competition 2022.
This earned her a scholarship worth N5,000,000 to study at any African university of her choice. Otong also received a brand-new laptop, trophy, plaque, and school bag.
The topic for this year’s essay centered around the recurring strike action of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
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Now in its 12th year, the competition ensures that students in secondary schools can convey their ideas and express themselves through writing.
The competition was judged by a panel based on the expression of ideas, mechanical accuracy, originality, and organization. Otong succeeded by beating 11 other participants out of over 5,000 entries received by the foundation from senior secondary school students across Nigeria.
Princess Sholabomi, a 15-year-old student of Value Spring College, Lagos, won an N3,000,000 educational grant and a laptop; while the third prize holder, Sharon Nwajiaku from Ota Total Academy, Ogun State received N2,500,000 and a brand-new laptop.
The other nine finalists also received laptops and consolation prizes.
At the Grand finale held in Lagos, the Chairman of UBA Foundation, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka who spoke virtually, noted that the foundation had so far, given a scholarships to 60 students who are doing well in different fields.
Excited Otong stated that the experience from the competition has built more confidence in her.
“I am so grateful to UBA Foundation for this great opportunity. It has helped me to believe in myself and bolstered my confidence. This scholarship will go a long way toward assisting in my dream to become an ophthalmologist. This opportunity has changed my life and I appreciate the foundation for this.”
Congratulations to Otong and the other winners.