Ado-Ekiti has reason to celebrate as 14 year old Oluwadamilola Adeolu from St. Lawrence Metropolitan College has made history by winning the 2026 African Spelling Bee held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her victory highlights not only her individual talent but also Nigeria’s growing prominence in continental academic competitions.
Competing against national champions from over 30 African countries, Oluwadamilola emerged as the Junior Champion, impressing judges with her poise, accuracy, and mastery of language. The African Spelling Bee is an annual contest that challenges students’ spelling abilities and vocabulary through multiple rounds of rigorous competition.
Nigeria had another strong showing, earning the title of 2nd Best Country Team, while other Nigerian students also excelled. In the Junior category, Abdurrahman Yusuf from Ar-Raheem International College in Ilorin placed third, and Ashton Singh from South Africa took second place.
Oluwadamilola credited her success to thorough preparation and staying calm under pressure, advice that resonates with young learners everywhere. Her win not only brings pride to Ekiti State but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring scholars across Africa, showcasing the value of dedication, discipline, and academic excellence.
