Good News in Education: 14-Year-Old Ekiti Prodigy Emerges 2026 African Spelling Bee Champion.

Good News in Education: 14-Year-Old Ekiti Prodigy Emerges 2026 African Spelling Bee Champion.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

A 14-year-old student from Ekiti State, Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe, has emerged as the champion of the 2026 African Spelling Bee in the junior category, held in Harare.

Oluwadamilola, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, outperformed contestants from over 20 African countries to clinch the prestigious title, marking a significant milestone for Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.

Her journey to continental recognition began with a first-place finish at the Ekiti State level. She later secured second position at the national competition held in Port Harcourt, earning her qualification for the African stage.

At the continental contest, she competed against top spellers from countries including South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Malawi, eventually emerging victorious after a series of keenly contested rounds.

For her outstanding performance, Oluwadamilola was awarded a $5,000 educational scholarship and a plaque.

Prior to this feat, the young scholar had recorded several academic achievements, including second place in the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee, second place in the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, fifth place in the 2025 Africa Spelling Bee, and second place in the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee.

She was coached by renowned tutor Gbenga Julius, who has also mentored another Ekiti-based student to victory at the Nigeria MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition.

Oluwadamilola is expected to represent Africa at the World Spelling Bee scheduled to hold in China later this year.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have called on both the Ekiti State Government and the Federal Government to formally recognise her achievement, describing it as a moment of national pride and a testament to the potential of Nigerian students when provided with the necessary support and resources.