14-Year-Old Ekiti Student Emerges Champion at 2026 African Spelling Bee (Junior Category)

A 14-year-old student from Ekiti State has won the junior category of the 2026 African Spelling Bee, which took place in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, outperformed contestants from more than 20 countries across the continent, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Malawi.

She progressed to the continental stage after placing first at the Ekiti State competition in Ekiti State, Nigeria and securing second position at the national qualifier held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Her victory at the African level earned her a $5,000 educational scholarship and a commemorative plaque.

Ooreofe has maintained consistent results in spelling competitions over the past few years. Her record includes second place finishes at the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, fifth place at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, and second place at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee.

She trained under Gbenga Julius, a coach known for preparing several high-performing young spellers in Nigeria.

With this win, she is expected to represent Africa at the World Spelling Bee scheduled to hold in China later this year.