With the aim of equipping students with skills to use words as powerful communication tools from early age, non-governmental organisation, Young Educators Foundation in collaboration with Lucid Education Initiative has announced that Nigeria and Ghana will represent Africa at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, that will be hosted in the United States come 2025.

The programme which has celebrated over a century of academic excellence is now open to Nigerian students aged 8-13 offering them an opportunity to compete on a global stage alongside their peers.

The maiden edition is open to schools across Nigeria until early October 2024, with the grand prize being an all-expense-paid trip to the United States for the ultimate winner to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May 2025.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Eugenia Tachie-Mensah, said that the spelling competition that tested students’ competence in spelling and vocabulary prowess had seen Ghana representing the continent for about two decades.

She said that the foundation in collaboration with Lucid Education Initiative, Nigeria, facilitated Nigeria to join the representation.

“This collaboration aims to ignite a passion for spelling and literacy among Nigerian youths.

“The Scripps National Spelling Bee is more than a contest; it is a celebration of discipline, word mastery, and academic excellence.

“Beyond giving Nigerian students and schools a global spotlight, it will boost cognitive skills, critical thinking, and mental agility in young learners.

“It will also spark curiosity and a lifelong love for language and learning.’’

She said This maiden edition of the Scripps Spelling Bee USA in Nigeria will unfold in four phases, each meticulously designed to complement curriculum-based learning while imparting invaluable skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork.

“Beyond the academic benefits, this program will also nurture social skills, instilling in our young Spellers a sense of confidence and resilience that will serve them well in all areas of life”.

She also said: “The champion of this yet-to-be-unveiled spelling contest will earn a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May 2025,”

She expressed a heartfelt thanks to the Office of the Lagos State Governor, Lucid Education Initiative, Rotary International District 9112, and the American Business Council of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to this cause. And to Indomie Noodles, the title sponsor, Checkers Custard, the co-sponsor, for believing in the power of the program to transform lives.