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

Nigeria is celebrating another remarkable academic achievement as 14-year-old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, emerged winner of the Junior Category of the 2026 African Spelling Bee held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The brilliant teenager outperformed contestants from more than 20 African countries to clinch the prestigious continental title, bringing pride to Ekiti State and the entire nation.

Her outstanding performance showcased exceptional intelligence, confidence, and mastery of language throughout the competition. According to reports, the contest featured several challenging stages, including speed spelling rounds and single-word elimination rounds that tested participants’ accuracy and composure under pressure.

As a reward for her victory, Oreofe received a $5,000 educational scholarship, further supporting her academic journey and future ambitions. Her triumph also helped strengthen Nigeria’s strong reputation in academic competitions across Africa.

Nigeria additionally secured recognition as one of the top-performing countries in the overall team rankings during the championship.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated the young champion for her exceptional feat, describing her success as a clear reflection of the importance of investing in education, literacy, and youth development.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Oreofe for making Nigeria proud on the continental stage and inspiring young Nigerians to pursue excellence through hard work and discipline.

Oreofe’s journey to continental victory began with success at the state level in Ekiti before advancing to the national finals in Port Harcourt, where she secured qualification for the African championship. Her consistency in spelling competitions has been impressive, having previously performed strongly in both state and national contests before finally claiming the African crown.

Her achievement has sparked nationwide celebration, with many Nigerians describing her victory as proof that the country’s young minds can compete and excel on the global stage when given the right support and opportunities.

Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe now stands as a symbol of academic excellence, determination, and hope for the next generation of Nigerian students.