“₦1 Million Up for Grabs: Why Are Bayelsa Schools Still Sleeping on This Life-Changing Spelling Competition?”
By Paul Ebi
Bayelsa State is set to witness an exciting display of academic excellence as Spell Africa International announces the hosting of the preliminary round of the 17th edition of its prestigious Spelling Leaders Competition.
The event, scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, will take place at Jade British International School, located along Peace Avenue, Off Imiringi Road in Yenagoa.
The competition, which has gained national recognition for promoting literacy and academic excellence, is open to all schools across Bayelsa State. Organisers say the event is designed to showcase students’ spelling prowess, boost confidence, and encourage mastery of the English language among young learners.
According to the guidelines released, participating schools are required to register a minimum of 10 students, known as “spellers,” aged between 6 and 17 years. The competition will feature two categories: Primary (Pry 3–6) and Secondary (JSS 2–SS 2).
Speaking ahead of the event, organisers emphasized the importance of early registration to allow participants adequate preparation time, urging schools to take advantage of the opportunity to compete on a reputable academic platform.
Beyond the preliminary stage, winners will advance through various rounds across Nigeria, culminating in the national finals slated to hold between July 30 and August 1, 2026.
The stakes are high, with winners in the secondary category eligible to claim a grand prize of ₦1,000,000, while the primary category champion stands to win ₦700,000. Additional rewards include cash prizes for runners-up, as well as financial incentives for participating schools and coaches.
Education stakeholders in Bayelsa have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will inspire healthy academic competition and raise the standard of literacy among students in the state.
With anticipation building, schools across Bayelsa are now gearing up to unleash their brightest minds in what promises to be a thrilling contest of words, wit, and intellectual excellence.
