Three students from Education District II have emerged top performers at the 21st Annual Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition (Secondary School Category), securing a combined prize of N2.2 million. The competition, organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in partnership with the New Era Foundation, also produced the next one-day governor and deputy governor.
In a statement shared with PUNCH Online, OEQA’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Adepeju Adeyemi, announced that Etiyeyemonu Esther of Senior Model College, Igbokuta, Imota, clinched the overall title and received a N1 million cash prize.
Awoyemi Dorcas of Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Ikosi–Isheri, and Salami Jumai Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, emerged first and second runners-up, taking home N700,000 and N500,000 respectively.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of the New Era Foundation, Barr. Grace Giwa, praised the finalists for their discipline and dedication. She noted that their achievements reaffirm the value of investing in education as a pathway to securing the future of young learners.
Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, commended the students for consistently proving their excellence, referencing the recent educational tour to Singapore by public school students as an example of Lagos’ growing academic strength.
The Head of Service, Olabode Agoro—represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District I, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola—described the Spelling Bee as a showcase of resilience and intellectual skill, reminding participants that every competitor is a symbol of courage and commitment.
Also speaking at the event, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Teacher Olusegun Olawale Osinaike, encouraged the students to embrace sportsmanship and celebrate the success of others, noting that competitions teach lessons that go beyond winning.
Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA and Chairman of the Planning Committee, highlighted that the Spelling Bee is more than a contest of words—preparation, discipline, and focus play major roles in shaping the final outcomes.
Reacting to her win, Etiyeyemonu Esther described the achievement as deeply personal and a source of motivation. She expressed hope that her victory would inspire other students, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams with confidence. “Winning this competition shows that hard work truly pays off,” she said. “I hope my success encourages others to aim high and never give up.”
