Education District II once again showcased its academic prowess as students from the district swept the top three positions at the 21st Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, Secondary School Category.
Etiyeyemonu Esther of Senior Model College, Igbokuta, emerged overall winner, with Awoyemi Dorcas of Ikosi Senior Secondary School as first runner-up and Salami Jumai Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School taking second runner-up.
The competition was organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in collaboration with the New Era Foundation.
In a goodwill message, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended the students’ courage, discipline, and passion, noting that the Spelling Bee continues to nurture exceptional leaders.
Represented by Mrs Grace Giwa, Executive Secretary, New Era Foundation, she also praised parents, teachers, and OEQA for sustaining high standards and contributing to the students’ remarkable achievements.
Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, lauded the winners’ performance, highlighting Lagos public school students’ recent international representation in Singapore.
He encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence and not rest on past achievements, urging them to set higher goals in their academic journey.
Other dignitaries, including the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, and Education District III’s Tutor-General, Mr Olusegun Osinaike, emphasized resilience, emotional maturity, and sportsmanship.
They reminded all participants that success is a journey, and the lessons learned from competition—confidence, focus, and perseverance—are valuable for life beyond academics.
Speaking after her win, Etiyeyemonu Esther described the victory as a dream come true, expressing gratitude to God, her teachers, and parents for their support.
She pledged to use her success as a platform to inspire other students, particularly young girls, to embrace excellence and believe in their potential, emphasizing that hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality.
Reporting by Toareed Abdullahi