Students from Lagos Education District II have set a new benchmark for excellence, taking the top three positions at the 21st Annual Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, and reaffirming the district’s reputation for producing top-tier scholars.
The competition, organized by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in collaboration with the New Era Foundation (NEF), showcased the remarkable spelling, confidence, and intellectual skills of the participants, culminating in the crowning of the district’s champions.
Emerging as the overall winner was Etiyeyemonu Esther of Senior Model College, Igbokuta, Imota, who will serve as the One-Day Governor. She was closely followed by Awoyemi Dorcas of Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Ikosi-Isheri, as first runner-up, and Salami Jumai Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, who took second runner-up.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Adepeju Adeyemi, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, OEQA, the competition was described as a platform that fosters resilience, precision, and leadership skills among students.
Nigeria’s First Lady and initiator of the One-Day Governor program, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, through her representative, Barr. (Mrs.) Grace Giwa, praised the students’ courage, discipline, and passion for learning.
“These young learners continue to demonstrate that investing in education is investing in the collective future of our nation,” she said, commending both teachers and parents for their guidance.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, lauded the participants for upholding the state’s tradition of academic excellence.
“Our students are among the best in the country, and their performance here speaks volumes,” he said, citing the recent success of Lagos public school students representing Nigeria abroad.
The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District I, Dr. Idowu Oyetola, emphasized that the competition celebrates not only academic achievement but also resilience, courage, and mastery of the English language.
“Whether or not you go home with a trophy, you are symbols of excellence, courage, and commitment,” he remarked.
Students were encouraged to embrace sportsmanship, learn from their experiences, and continue striving for excellence. The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Teacher Olusegun Osinaike, noted that celebrating peers’ success is an essential aspect of leadership and personal growth.
The Director, Private Education and Special Programmes, OEQA, and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, welcomed guests and underscored the competition’s role in shaping confident, precise, and resilient learners.
For the overall winner, Etiyeyemonu Esther, the victory represented a defining moment in her academic journey. She thanked God, her teachers, and her parents for their support and pledged to inspire other students to pursue excellence.
“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.
The 21st Lagos State Spelling Bee once again reinforced its position as a premier platform for nurturing intellectual growth, leadership skills, and confidence among the state’s secondary school students.
