By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Onakpa Emmanuel Foundation, in collaboration with child rights advocate and Chairman of the Ogun Youth Assembly, Habeeb Whyte, and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASSUS), has announced plans to organise the Ogun State Secondary School Spelling Bee Championship, as part of efforts to promote literacy and academic excellence among students.

This was contained in a statement jointly made available to journalists on Monday by the organizers of the programme.

According to the organisers, the competition is aimed at improving students’ vocabulary, enhancing communication skills, and encouraging a strong culture of reading and intellectual engagement among secondary school students across the State.

Speaking on the initiative, the organisers noted that the championship would also provide a platform for young learners to develop confidence, sharpen their public speaking abilities, and engage in healthy academic competition.

“The Spelling Bee Championship is designed not only to test spelling abilities but to promote literacy, intellectual curiosity, and self-confidence among young learners. It aligns with our shared vision of strengthening the educational foundation of students and nurturing future leaders,” the statement read.

The maiden edition of the championship is scheduled to hold on March 25, 2026, at the ASSUS Secretariat Hall, Leme, Abeokuta, the State capital. The event is expected to commence at 9:00 a.m. prompt.

A total of 10 secondary schools have been selected to participate in the inaugural edition of the competition, comprising of five private schools and five public secondary schools from across the state.

The private schools include Taidob College, Brightway College, Alaba Lawson School, Patterson Memorial College, and De-Gifted Private School.

The public schools listed for the competition are MacJob Secondary School, Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta Girls Grammar School, and African Church Grammar School.

Each participating school will be represented by one student contestant accompanied by a teacher, while the event is expected to attract education stakeholders, teachers, and supporters of academic development from within and outside the State.

The organisers expressed optimism that the Ogun State Secondary School Spelling Bee Championship would evolve into a major annual academic event in the state.

“We are optimistic that this initiative will grow into a significant annual programme that celebrates intellectual excellence, promotes healthy academic rivalry, and contributes meaningfully to the improvement of educational standards in the State,” the statement added.