Nigeria has recorded another major academic achievement on the global stage after Team Nigeria won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China.
The victory marks a memorable milestone for the country, which made its first-ever appearance at the prestigious international spelling competition.
The Nigeria Spelling Bee announced the achievement on its official Facebook page on Sunday.
“Team Nigeria has won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category at the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China,” the organisation wrote.
Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, also celebrated the success of two of its students, Maryam Yusuf and Abdurrahman Yusuf, who won medals during the global competition.
The school wrote: “Ar-Raheem International College students Maryam YUSUF and Abdurrahman YUSUF won medals at Spelling Bee World Cup final in Shanghai, China 2026.”
Nigeria’s four-member team comprised Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti; Abdurrahman Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin; and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba.
The team qualified for the World Cup through the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the African Spelling Bee Championship, earning the opportunity to represent both Nigeria and the African continent on the world stage.
Before the competition, the Nigeria Spelling Bee described the team’s participation as a historic moment.
“For the first time ever, Nigeria will be represented at the Spelling Bee World Cup, as four outstanding young spellers prepare to compete in Shanghai, China, from 10th–20th July 2026.
“Their journey has been one of excellence and determination—beginning with the Nigeria Spelling Bee, progressing to the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, and now advancing to the world stage,” the organisers said.
Ahead of the tournament, Oluwadamilola Adeolu expressed excitement about representing Nigeria internationally.
“I am proud to be part of the Nigerian Spelling Bee and African Spelling Bee delegation travelling to the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China, to represent Nigeria,” she said.
She added that she looked forward to meeting young spellers from around the world, improving her vocabulary and confidence, and bringing the trophy home.
Adeolu qualified for the World Cup after emerging champion of the Junior category at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she outperformed contestants from more than 30 African countries.
At the same competition, Abdurrahman Yusuf finished third, while Team Nigeria emerged as the second-best overall team.
The latest victory highlights the growing strength of Nigerian students in international academic competitions and serves as a reminder that with talent, preparation and determination, young Africans can compete successfully with the very best in the world.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.