Nigeria has recorded a major academic milestone as 14-year-old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe from Ekiti State emerged winner of the 2026 African Spelling Bee in the Junior Category.
The prestigious competition, which took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, brought together participants from more than 20 African countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Malawi.
Damilola, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, earned her place at the continental stage after securing first position at the Ekiti State level and finishing second at the national qualifier held in Port Harcourt. She went on to outperform her peers to claim the top prize.
For her victory, she received a $5,000 educational scholarship along with a plaque.
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Her win adds to an already impressive track record in spelling contests. She previously finished second in the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee, placed second in the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, came fifth in the 2025 African Spelling Bee, and secured second position in the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee.
Damilola was mentored by Gbenga Julius, a coach known for nurturing outstanding young spellers across the country.
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Following her continental triumph, she is expected to represent Africa at the World Spelling Bee scheduled to take place in China later this year.
Her success once again underscores the immense potential of Nigerian students when given the right support, training, and guidance.
