By Akpan Glory
The 2025 edition of the African Spelling Bee has concluded in Abuja with a colourful display of intellect, resilience, and cultural pride.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the edition marked the first time the prestigious continental contest has been hosted in West Africa.
Since its inception in 2016, the African Spelling Bee has become a symbol of academic excellence and Pan-African unity, bringing together young minds from across the continent.
This year, spellers from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe converged on Nigeria’s capital to compete for top honours and scholarships.
Organised by the African Spelling Bee Federation; a coalition of national spelling bee organisations from over 21 countries, the event was locally hosted by the Nigerian Spelling Bee under the Bee Spelling Competition Initiative.
Nigeria also served as the Local Organising Committee and representative at the event.
Speaking, the National Coordinator of the Nigerian Spelling Bee, Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, appealed for increased support from the private sector to sustain literacy programmes.
“Today, we realise that many children, because of technology, cannot spell properly. They abbreviate words, and that was why we introduced this competition,” he said.
Ibrahim revealed that the competition has greatly contributed to improving spelling proficiency and academic performance among Nigerian students.
“Even when they get to university, they are doing well. Most of our scholarship recipients, at least 90 to 95 per cent are in the first-class category,” he added.
The contest also rewards outstanding spellers with substantial scholarships.
The champion in the senior category receives one million naira, while the first and second runners-up receive N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.
In the junior category, the winner receives N500,000, and both runners-up are awarded N300,000 each.
In spite these achievements, Ibrahim expressed concern over the lack of financial backing, noting that the programme currently has no corporate sponsors.
“We have written to many organisations, but there has been no favourable response, although the Federal Ministry of Education has endorsed the initiative, it has not provided any funding.
“We’re calling on the public, especially corporate organisations, to assist us. Since the Federal Government has endorsed the programme, we are hopeful they will take further steps and begin to fund it.
“This year’s competition, the eighth edition of the Nigerian Spelling Bee and the first West African-hosted African Spelling Bee, faced logistical challenges.
“Due to funding constraints, several national teams were unable to attend. Nevertheless, the event proceeded with enthusiasm, highlighting the determination and brilliance of Africa’s young minds”.
Reflecting on the broader purpose of the event, the national coordinator described the African Spelling Bee as more than a contest.
“It is a celebration of Africa’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. It inspires, empowers, and unites young minds from every corner of the continent,” he said.
In the Senior Category, Nigeria’s Joshua Chemeremeze emerged champion, followed by Tijani Rahamat (Nigeria) and Shamiso Mutsahuni (Zimbabwe).
The Junior Category was won by Nigeria’s Atsua Joy, with Uganda’s Nakawooua Abigail and Nigeria’s Wilfred Eldad finishing second and third respectively.
Each of the two continental champions received a $10,000 university scholarship, reinforcing the competition’s commitment to academic advancement.
The event also featured a short essay contest.
Zambia’s Gideon Benoni Chisale clinched the top prize in the Senior Category, while Uganda’s Anwitha Hareesh won the Junior Category.
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Senior Secondary Education Commission, the competition underscored Nigeria’s influence in promoting educational development across Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
I would like to join the spelling competition