SPELL IT Nigeria, an affiliate of Scripps Spelling Bee in the United States of America (USA), has been unveiled in Lagos.  The unveiling positions Nigeria as an official member of the Global Scripps Spelling Bee in the United States, giving Nigerian children the opportunity to participate in Spelling Bee competitions alongside other children worldwide.

Spell IT Nigeria also provides children aged 8-13 with skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork.

Speaking at the event, Country Director of Scripps Spelling Bee Nigeria, Eugenia Tachie-Mensah noted that Nigeria joined the Scripps National Spelling Bee when the organisation celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Tachie-Mensah said: “The story of how we arrived here is one of vision, perseverance, and a deep-seated belief in the power of education. It’s not just about competition for the young ones, but an opportunity to provide a comprehensive learning experience that equips students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of languages and communication in a globalised world.”

A representative of Scripps Spelling Bee in Nigeria, Adesua Onyenokwe, expressed optimism that a Nigerian child would reach the finals and win the competition within the next five years. 

Onyenokwe, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of TW Magazine, said: “We look forward to learning new things. It’s not about how you sound the word; it’s about understanding where the word comes from. 

“Young children are learning to persevere. It’s not about fun; it’s beyond child’s play. These children are developing learning habits that will make them excel in whatever they choose to do.”

Team Lead and Co-Founder of Lucid Education Initiative, Afolajimi Akinyoyenu, said: “We are honoured to be part of this milestone achievement of Spell IT Nigeria. Music and culture are intertwined in the fabric of society, much like spelling, which preserves the accuracy of cultural expression. The synergy between these elements fosters a deeper understanding of our identity, enriching both intellectual and cultural discourse.”