In a moment of pride for Nigeria’s education sector, The Nigeria Education News reports that 14-year-old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe has been crowned the 2026 African Spelling Bee Champion in the junior category. The prestigious competition, held in Harare, saw the young Ekiti student outperform contestants from over twenty African countries, marking a historic achievement for both Ekiti State and the nation at large.
Damilola, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, demonstrated exceptional linguistic mastery and composure throughout the competition. According to event officials who spoke with The Nigeria Education News, her performance stood out for its precision and confidence, especially during the final rounds. “She showed remarkable poise under pressure. Her spelling accuracy and clarity were simply outstanding,” one judge reportedly stated.
Tracing her journey to continental victory, Damilola first clinched the top position at the Ekiti State level before advancing to the national stage in Port Harcourt, where she finished second. That performance secured her qualification for the African stage, where she ultimately emerged champion. “I believed in myself and kept practicing every day,” Damilola told The Nigeria Education News in a brief interview. “This win is for my family, my school, and Nigeria.”
The competition featured top young spellers from countries including South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Malawi, making her victory even more remarkable. Observers noted that the final rounds were intensely competitive, with Damilola maintaining consistency while others faltered. “It was not an easy contest. Every participant was brilliant, but she remained exceptional till the end,” an event coordinator disclosed.
As part of her reward, Damilola received a $5,000 educational scholarship alongside an award plaque in recognition of her outstanding performance. Education stakeholders have described the prize as both a reward and an investment in her future. A teacher from her school remarked, “This scholarship will go a long way in supporting her academic journey. She truly deserves it.”
Her success did not come overnight. Damilola has built an impressive track record over the years, 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. Her coach, Mr. Gbenga Julius, praised her dedication, telling The Nigeria Education News, “Damilola is disciplined and hardworking. She is proof that consistency and proper mentorship yield results.”
Looking ahead, the young champion is set to represent Africa at the World Spelling Bee scheduled to take place in China later this year. This next stage presents an even bigger platform for her to showcase her abilities on the global stage. “We are confident she will make Africa proud again,” her coach added.
Meanwhile, calls have intensified for both the Ekiti State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to formally recognize her achievement. Education advocates argue that celebrating such excellence will inspire other students across the country. As one stakeholder told The Nigeria Education News, “Damilola’s victory is not just personal it is a national statement about the potential of Nigerian students when given the right support.”
