Three students from Education District II have won a combined N2.2 million at the 21st Annual Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition for secondary schools. The event, organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance in partnership with the New Era Foundation, also produced the one-day governor and deputy governor for another year, continuing the tradition of grooming young leaders through academic excellence.
According to a statement shared with PUNCH Online by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs of OEQA, Adepeju Adeyemi, Etiyeyemonu Esther of Senior Model College, Igbokuta, Imota, emerged the overall winner. Esther received a cash prize of N1 million for her performance. Awoyemi Dorcas of Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Ikosi–Isheri, and Salami Jumai Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, received N700,000 and N500,000 as first and second runners-up.
In a goodwill message, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, represented by the Executive Secretary of the New Era Foundation, Barr. Grace Giwa, congratulated the students and praised their character. She said, “This positive feedback reaffirms my belief that investing in education is investing in the collective future of our young learners.”
The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, applauded the winners and commended the standard of education in Lagos public schools. “I say it confidently anywhere, our students are the best. The results speak for themselves,” he said while recalling the school trip to Singapore as another proof of excellence.
The Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, represented by Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District I, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, described the competition as an expression of strength and intellectual capacity. “Whether or not you go home with a trophy, you are symbols of excellence, courage, and commitment,” he stated while encouraging the participants to cherish their experience.
Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Teacher Olusegun Olawale Osinaike, urged the competitors to stay humble and value sportsmanship. He said, “Every competition teaches us something valuable, and one of the greatest lessons is learning to rejoice with those who excel today,” according to the statement.
Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA and Chairman of the Planning Committee, praised the spelling bee for going beyond word mastery and placing emphasis on preparation, focus, and confidence.
After being declared the winner, Esther described her victory as deeply personal and inspiring for other students. She said, “Winning this competition shows that hard work truly pays off. I hope my success encourages others to aim high and never give up on their dreams.”
