Ekiti Celebrates Spelling Champions

Ekiti Stars Shine: Young Spelling Champions Bring Honour to Nigeria

The Ekiti State Government is celebrating a remarkable surge of intellectual prowess demonstrated by two exceptional young women who have achieved significant victories on continental and national stages. The achievements of Oluwadamilola Adeolu and Oreoluwa Alayande, both students of St Lawrence Metropolitan College in Ado Ekiti, have not only brought immense pride to their state but have also underscored Nigeria’s burgeoning potential in academic competitions.

Oluwadamilola Adeolu: Crowned African Spelling Bee Champion

At just 14 years old, Oluwadamilola Adeolu has ascended to the pinnacle of African spelling, emerging as the triumphant winner of the 2026 African Spelling Bee (Junior Category). This prestigious continental title is the culmination of a dedicated journey that began with her securing first place in the Ekiti State qualifiers. Her impressive performance continued at the national finals held in Port Harcourt, where she clinched the second position, a testament to her exceptional linguistic skills and competitive spirit.

Adeolu’s victory at the African Spelling Bee comes with substantial rewards: a $5,000 educational scholarship, providing significant support for her future academic endeavours. Furthermore, she has earned the distinguished honour of representing the entire African continent at the upcoming World Spelling Bee, scheduled to take place in China. This opportunity promises to be an inspiring platform for Adeolu to showcase her talents on a global scale. Her recent return from Harare, Zimbabwe, where she was officially crowned the African champion, was met with widespread jubilation, with St Lawrence Metropolitan College rolling out the drums to commemorate her outstanding achievement.

Oreoluwa Alayande: Dominating the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee

In parallel, the Ekiti State Government has also lauded the remarkable accomplishment of another 14-year-old prodigy, Miss Oreoluwa Alayande. Alayande has been recognized as the winner of the highly competitive 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition. This win further solidifies the state’s reputation for nurturing young academic talent.

Earlier in the month, Alayande’s school and the telecommunications giant MTN had jointly celebrated her triumph. Her victory in the 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee has secured her a valuable scholarship, a digital upgrade for her school, and the unique opportunity to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of MTN for a single day. This immersive experience is expected to provide her with invaluable insights into corporate leadership and the telecommunications industry.

A Beacon of Educational Excellence for Ekiti State

The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, highlighted that these dual achievements powerfully reinforce Ekiti State’s standing as a leading hub for educational excellence in Nigeria. He expressed immense pride in both Miss Adeolu and Miss Alayande, noting that their accomplishments have brought significant honour not only to Ekiti State but also to Nigeria as a whole.

“Miss Adeolu and Miss Alayande, who incidentally attend the same school, St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, have brought immense pride and honour to Ekiti State and Nigeria at large,” stated Commissioner Olatunbosun.

The Commissioner extended his commendations to the management and staff of St Lawrence Metropolitan College for their unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by the parents and guardians of these accomplished students, recognizing their invaluable support and dedication.

Commissioner Olatunbosun emphasized that the successes of these two bright students should serve as a powerful inspiration for other students across Ekiti State. He urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to diligence, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in all their academic endeavours.

Government’s Commitment to Education

The Ekiti State Government reiterated its strong commitment to the continuous strengthening of the education sector. This commitment is being translated into sustained investment across several key areas, including:

• Infrastructure Development: Enhancing learning environments and providing modern facilities.
• Teacher Development: Investing in professional training and support for educators.
• Digital Learning: Integrating technology to create more dynamic and accessible learning experiences.
• Student-Focused Initiatives: Developing programs and policies that directly benefit students and their academic progress.

The proprietor of St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Lawrence Oluwafemi, attributed the remarkable successes of his students to a combination of hard work, unwavering determination, and divine grace. He also took the opportunity to call for greater government recognition and support for outstanding students like Adeolu and Alayande, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and celebrating such exceptional talent.