Tinubu congratulates Ekiti student on African Spelling Bee win

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated a 14-year-old student, Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe, for emerging as the 2026 African Spelling Bee champion in the junior category.

Oreofe, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, defeated contestants from over 20 African countries to win the continental competition held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

According to a statement on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the victory earned the student a $5,000 educational scholarship.

Tinubu described the achievement as a reflection of the importance of investment in education, literacy and youth development.

“I am convinced that this feat not only brings honour to Nigeria on the continental stage but also serves as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerians to pursue excellence in academics and personal development.

“As a government, we will continue to strengthen the education sector by creating opportunities that enable Nigerian youths to compete and excel globally. I wish Miss Oreofe continued success in her future endeavours,” the President said.

He also commended the support of the student’s parents, teachers and mentors.

The President noted that Oreofe’s victory followed a series of strong performances in previous competitions.

She placed second at the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, finished fifth at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, and came second at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee before clinching the continental title this year.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector to enable Nigerian youths to compete globally.

The development comes after the Ekiti State Government recently honoured the student with cash rewards and pledged to sponsor her, alongside her mother and coach, to represent Africa at the forthcoming World Spelling Bee championship in China, as part of efforts to encourage academic excellence.