Fourteen-year-old Adeolu Oreofe has emerged as the 2026 African Spelling Bee Champion in the Junior Category, defeating contestants from over 30 African nations.
The student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, claimed the continental title at the 8th African Spelling Bee held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from March 18 to 21.
She outspelled brilliant minds from South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Malawi to secure the top spot, earning a $5,000 educational scholarship and an award plaque.
Her victory caps a dedicated journey: she previously placed fifth in the 2025 African Spelling Bee and second in the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee. Fellow Nigerian Abdurrahman Yusuf took third place, while South Africa’s Ashton Singh finished second.
The Nigerian contingent finished as the second-best national team overall, trailing only South Africa. Following her historic win, Adeolu is set to represent Africa at the World Spelling Bee in China later this year.
