Three Lagos students won N2.2m at the 21st Annual Spelling Bee, with Esther Etiyeyemonu claiming the top prize of N1 million

Three students from Education District II collectively won N2.2 million at the 21st Annual Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition (Secondary School Category), organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in partnership with the New Era Foundation.

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Etiyeyemonu Esther of Senior Model College, Igbokuta, Imota, emerged the overall winner, receiving N1 million.

First runner-up Awoyemi Dorcas of Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Ikosi–Isheri, won N700,000, while second runner-up Salami Jumai Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, received N500,000.

The event also appointed the one-day governor and deputy governor for another year. In a goodwill message, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, represented by Barr. Grace Giwa, Executive Secretary of the New Era Foundation, praised the students’ discipline and commitment.

“This positive feedback reaffirms my belief that investing in education is investing in the collective future of our young learners,” she said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, described the students as the best, citing their recent educational trip to Singapore as evidence of local achievements.

Head of Service representative, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, lauded the participants for their intellectual effort and resilience, while Teacher Olusegun Olawale Osinaike encouraged sportsmanship and celebration of peers’ successes.

Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, OEQA, highlighted that preparation and focus, rather than mere memorisation, underpin performance at the competition.

After her victory, Etiyeyemonu Esther described the win as personal motivation to inspire other students, particularly young girls.

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“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,” she said.