14-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Wins African Spelling Bee, Gets Presidential Praise

(Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe. Photo Credit: Vanguard news)

Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe, a 14-year-old student, has received congratulations from President Bola Tinubu for winning the juvenile division of the 2026 African Spelling Bee.

Oreofe, a student at St. Lawrence Metropolitan College in Ado Ekiti, won the continental championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, by defeating competitors from more than 20 African nations.

The youngster received a $5,000 educational scholarship as a result of the triumph, according to a statement released on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

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

“I firmly believe that this accomplishment inspires millions of young Nigerians to strive for academic success and personal growth in addition to bringing honor to Nigeria on the continental scene.

“As a government, we will keep bolstering the education sector by establishing chances for Nigerian young to succeed and compete on a global scale. The President remarked, “I wish Miss Oreofe continued success in her future endeavors.”

Additionally, he praised the student’s mentors, instructors, and parents for their support.

The President pointed out that Oreofe’s triumph came after a string of impressive results in earlier contests.

Before winning the continental title this year, she finished fifth at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, second at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee, and second at the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee.

To help Nigerian youth compete internationally, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to bolstering the education sector.

In an effort to promote academic performance, the Ekiti State Government recently awarded the youngster financial incentives and promised to fund her, along with her mother and coach, to represent Africa at the upcoming World Spelling Bee championship in China.