Wins N10m, ten laptops, others for school

A student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, Oreoluwa Alayande, who recently won the 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee, is to become a one-day Chief Executive Officer of the telecommunication company in its Lagos headquarter on March 11, 2026, as well as mpulse ambassador for the next one year.

This was just as the MTN has rewarded her school with a ₦10 million flagship gift, earmarked for a state-of-the-art laboratory upgrade, installed 10 5G routers and provided 10 brand-new laptops, to effectively close the digital divide for the students of St. Lawrence.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the school in Ado-Ekiti, the Sales and Trade Development Manager of MTN Nigeria in Ekiti, Chinyere Ikechi, said the company decided to support the school in recognition of the student’s outstanding performance in the national competition.

According to her, the initiative reflects MTN’s commitment to promoting education and investing in institutions that nurture young talents.

Ikechi explained that the spelling bee attracted thousands of entries from students across the country, noting that Alayande distinguished herself through confidence, intelligence and exceptional academic ability.

She commended the winner for bringing honour to her family, school and the nation, while also revealing that she would a one-day Chief Executive Officer of the telecommunication company on March 11, 2026 and mpulse ambassador for the next one year.

Her words, “The competition received thousands of entries from brilliant students across the country. Oreoluwa represented not just the school but the entire state with distinction, confidence and intelligence and these are values that we promote in the community.

“Following the outstanding performance of Oreoluwa, we made a commitment not just to celebrate the winner, but to invest in the school that nurtured such brilliance.

“Today, we are fulfilling that promise. We are proud to officially hand over a ₦10 million intervention project which includes fully installed 10 new air conditioners for the computer lab and a 30kV lithium inverter battery system. In addition to this, we will be giving the school 10 brand new laptops, 10 broadband devices and other educational equipment.

“To our shining star, Oreoluwa Alayande, our 2025 MTN Spelling Bee champion, we are very proud of you. Your achievement has not only brought honour to your family and your school but has also inspired an entire nation.

“We look forward to celebrating you again next week as you step into the role of MTN CEO for a Day and continue your journey as an MTN ambassador for the next one year”.

In his remarks, the Principal of the School, Lawrence Oluwafemi commended the telecommunication company for the intervention, describing it as the first time the institution would receive such a major educational support despite its students’ previous achievements in academic competitions.

He said the donation would greatly enhance teaching and learning in the school, particularly in the area of digital education, adding that the recognition would further motivate students to strive for academic excellence and bring pride to the institution.

He equally announced that the School has decided to offer Oreoluwa Alayande scholarship throughout her educational pursuit in the Citadel of Learning.

Speaking of her remarkable feat, the 14-year-old spelling bee champion and an SSS2 student of the School, Oreoluwa Alayande described the victory as a proud moment for her school and teammates.

Oreoluwa thanked MTN for organizing the competition, saying it helped her and other students develop their vocabulary, confidence and passion for learning.

She said, “Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and joy. Winning the MTN Hall’s Spelling Bee is not just a personal achievement, but a proud moment by itself.

“To begin with, I want to sincerely thank MTN for the wonderful platform that they have created that helps young students like us to develop our vocabulary, confidence and love of learning.

“We want to deeply appreciate the school for their constant guidance and support. To my coach like no other, Mr. Gbenga Julius, your dedication, commitment and belief in me made this possible. Your commitment, discipline, and unique way of guiding have not just shaped me, but many other students into who we become today.

“I am so grateful for the parents I have, for the sacrifices they have made, both known and unknown to me, and I pray the Almighty God blesses them in many more forms.

“I hope this award inspires many other young students to study harder, aim higher and never be afraid to compete”.

In her remarks, the mother of the champion, Justina Alayinde, expressed gratitude to God, the school management and MTN Nigeria for the support given to her daughter.

She described the victory as unexpected but a blessing to the family, appreciating the company for the gifts and support provided to both the student and the school.