L- R 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.
Three students from Education District II have emerged top performers at the 21st Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, earning a combined prize of N2.2 million. The annual contest, organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in partnership with the New Era Foundation, also produced the state’s one-day governor and deputy governor for the coming year.
Etiyeyemonu Esther from Senior Model College, Igbokuta, Imota, clinched the top spot and received N1 million. Awoyemi Dorcas from Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Ikosi–Isheri, and Salami Jumai Olaide from Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, finished as first and second runners-up with prizes of N700,000 and N500,000.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, the First Lady, delivered her goodwill message through the Executive Secretary of the New Era Foundation, Barr. Grace Giwa, praising the participants for their discipline and effort.
“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, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, also commended the students:
“I say it confidently anywhere, our students are the best. The results speak for themselves,” he said, referencing a recent educational trip to Singapore by Lagos public school students.
Representing the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District I, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, described the Spelling Bee as a showcase of resilience and intellectual strength.
“Whether or not you go home with a trophy, you are symbols of excellence, courage, and commitment,” he said.
From Education District III, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Teacher Olusegun Olawale Osinaike, encouraged the 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.
The Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, noted that the competition goes beyond spelling words, highlighting the role of preparation and focus.
After her win, Etiyeyemonu Esther described her achievement as a personal milestone and a source of inspiration for others.
“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.
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