Amazing-Grace Salami, an 11-year-old student from Greenspill International School, Abuja, has etched her name into the annals of Nigerian academic history by winning the inaugural Spelling Bee in Nigeria (SpIN) competition. Triumphing over 63 other finalists, including students from international schools and those based in the United States, Salami’s victory is a testament to her dedication and spelling prowess. This remarkable achievement secures her position as Nigeria’s representative on the global stage at the centennial edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., a competition with a rich history spanning a century. Salami’s win not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies Nigeria’s entry into a prestigious international academic arena.
The SpIN competition, affiliated with the renowned Scripps National Spelling Bee established in 1925, commenced in August 2024 with a pool of 200 students from 15 schools across Nigeria. The competition’s culmination coincided with the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Spelling Bee, adding historical significance to Salami’s victory. The competition saw Ifeoluwapo Okuboyejo and Naomi Ociuco secure the second and third runner-up positions, respectively. Both will accompany Salami to the United States for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, further solidifying Nigeria’s presence at the global event.
Salami’s victory comes with a plethora of accolades, including an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., $500 spending money, a personalized engraved trophy, a collection of Indomie products, a gleaming gold medal, and a one-year subscription to the Merriam-Webster dictionary valued at $10,000. The second and third runners-up also receive substantial prizes, including Indomie products, $100 spending money, silver and bronze medals, citations, and guaranteed entry into the semi-finals of the next SpIN competition, along with a valuable novel. This comprehensive reward structure not only recognizes the students’ achievements but also encourages continued participation and fosters a spirit of academic excellence.
The Spelling Bee in Nigeria, in its inaugural year, has already established itself as a significant platform for showcasing the talent and academic prowess of Nigerian students. The competition’s alignment with the Scripps National Spelling Bee provides a bridge to international recognition and provides invaluable learning opportunities for the participants. The Acting U.S. Consul General, JoEllen Gorg, lauded the competition, emphasizing the value of spelling as a fundamental skill and expressing hope that the experience would inspire the contestants to pursue further academic endeavors, potentially including studying in the United States.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the SpIN competition fosters crucial skills that extend beyond mere memorization. Eugenia Tachie-Menson, the convener of the event, highlighted the participants’ mastery of the English language, their ability to analyze word structures, and their understanding of etymological roots. These skills are transferable across various academic disciplines and contribute to the development of critical thinking, comprehension, and communication skills, enriching the students’ overall intellectual development.
The widespread support for the Spelling Bee in Nigeria underscores its importance as a platform for educational growth and international collaboration. Corrie Loeffler, the Executive Director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, recognized the competition’s growing reach and its positive impact on young lives. Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council in Nigeria, commended the finalists and emphasized the importance of investing in future generations of leaders. Femi Adenekan, District Governor of the Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, District 9112 Nigeria, reinforced Rotary’s commitment to education and literacy, highlighting its potential to contribute to a more empowered and skilled society. The collective support from various organizations demonstrates a shared belief in the power of education to shape a brighter future.
