Tinubu congratulates 14-year-old Adeolu Oreofe on winning 2026 African Spelling Bee Junior title
Fourteen-year-old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College in Ado Ekiti, emerged victorious in the 2026 African Spelling Bee junior category held in Harare, Zimbabwe, defeating contestants from over 20 African countries and earning a $5,000 educational scholarship. Her win follows a steady progression: second place in the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee, second in the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, fifth in the 2025 African Spelling Bee, and second in the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee.
This achievement matters because it underscores the dividends of sustained investment in education, literacy, and youth development, as highlighted by President Bola Tinubu in his congratulatory message. The victory brings honour to Nigeria on the continental stage and serves as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerians to pursue academic excellence, proving that early setbacks do not preclude continental success when determination and support are present.
The President affirmed that his administration will continue strengthening the education sector to create opportunities for Nigerian youths to compete and excel globally. For students, parents, and educators, Oreofe’s journey illustrates the value of persistence and the potential of academic competitions as pathways to scholarships and recognition. What steps can you take to encourage and support young talents in your community to aim for similar feats?