Three students from Education District II won a total of 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 collaboration with the New Era Foundation.

The event also produced the one-day governor and deputy governor for another year.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Friday by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs of OEQA, Adepeju Adeyemi, Etiyeyemonu Esther of Senior Model College, Igbokuta, Imota, was declared the overall winner. She was rewarded with a cash prize of N1m.

Awoyemi Dorcas of Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Ikosi–Isheri, and Salami Jumai Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, were first and second runners-up, respectively. They were rewarded with N700,000 and N500,000, respectively.

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 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.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, commended the students for their performance.

“I say it confidently anywhere, our students are the best. The results speak for themselves,” he said, citing the recent educational trip to Singapore by Lagos public school students as an example of local achievements.

The Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, was represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education, District I, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, who described the competition as a demonstration of intellectual effort and resilience.

“Whether or not you go home with a trophy, you are symbols of excellence, courage, and commitment,” he said. He urged the students to value the experience.

The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Teacher Olusegun Olawale Osinaike, encouraged participants to embrace sportsmanship.

“Every competition teaches us something valuable, and one of the greatest lessons is learning to rejoice with those who excel today,” he said, according to the statement.

Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, OEQA, and Chairman of the Planning Committee, described the Spelling Bee as more than a contest of words, highlighting preparation and focus as key factors in performance, the statement said.

After being declared the winner, Etiyeyemonu Esther said the victory was a personal achievement and a motivation to inspire other students, particularly young girls.

“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 in the statement.

. Photo Caption: The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic & Secondary Education, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola; the TG/PS, Education District 1, Dr. Idowu Oyetola; the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun; the overall winner of the 21st Edition of the Spelling Bee Competition, Miss. Etiyeyemonu Esther; the TG/PS Education District III, Tr. Olusegun Oshinaike; the TG/PS Education District II, Mr. Omotayo Layemo Sanni and the TG/PS Education District V, Mr. Dauda Abiodun Hassan at the 21st Edition of the Spelling Bee Competition (Senior Category)organized by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in collaboration with the New Era Foundation on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 @ the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja. Photo Credit: OEQA. (Punch)