Three Lagos Students Win N2.2m at State Spelling Bee Competition

Three students from Education District II have won a combined cash prize of N2.2 million at the 21st Annual Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition (Secondary School Category), organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in collaboration with the New Era Foundation.

The event also produced the one-day governor and deputy governor for the coming year.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, OEQA, Adepeju Adeyemi, Etiyeyemonu Esther of Senior Model College, Igbokuta, Imota, emerged the overall winner and received N1 million.

Awoyemi Dorcas of Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Ikosi–Isheri, and Salami Jumai Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, finished as first and second runners-up, receiving N700,000 and N500,000 respectively.

In her goodwill message, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the New Era Foundation, Barr. Grace Giwa, congratulated the winners and commended their dedication and discipline. “This positive feedback reaffirms my belief that investing in education is investing in the collective future of our young learners,” she said.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, praised the students’ performance, noting that Lagos students consistently excel. He referenced the recent educational trip to Singapore by public school students as further proof of the state’s academic achievements.

Representing the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District I, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, described the competition as a celebration of intellectual strength and perseverance. “Whether or not you go home with a trophy, you are symbols of excellence, courage, and commitment,” he told the students.

The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Teacher Olusegun Olawale Osinaike, encouraged participants to embrace sportsmanship. “Every competition teaches us something valuable, and one of the greatest lessons is learning to rejoice with those who excel today,” he said.

Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA and Chairman of the Planning Committee, highlighted that the Spelling Bee goes beyond spelling words, stressing that preparation and focus play major roles in the contestants’ success.

In her victory speech, overall winner Etiyeyemonu Esther described the achievement as deeply fulfilling and expressed hope that it would inspire other students, especially young girls. “Winning this competition shows that hard work truly pays off. I hope my success encourages others to aim high and never give up on their dreams,” she said.