President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated 14-year-old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe on her emergence as the winner of the 2026 African Spelling Bee Championship in the junior category.

Oreofe, a student at St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, clinched the continental title at the competition held in Harare, defeating contestants from over 20 African countries.

Her victory comes with a $5,000 educational scholarship.

“This feat not only brings honour to Nigeria on the continental stage but also serves as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerians to pursue excellence in academics and personal development,” President Tinubu said.

The President described the achievement as a testament to the value of sustained investment in education, literacy and youth development, commending the young champion’s resilience, discipline and academic excellence.

He also acknowledged the critical role played by her parents, teachers and mentors in nurturing her talent and supporting her journey to the top.

Tinubu noted that Oreofe’s success followed years of perseverance despite earlier setbacks, saying that she finished second at the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, placed fifth at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, and came second at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee before ultimately claiming the continental crown this year.

The President, therefore, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector by expanding opportunities that enable Nigerian youths to compete and excel globally, while wishing Oreofe continued success in her future endeavours.