The 2025 edition of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Inter-School Spelling Bee ended on Thursday with a display of brilliance, courage, and determination by 270 students from nine junior secondary schools.

Organised by My Hero Community Development Initiative (MHCDI) in partnership with education stakeholders, the competition featured the best five students from each school competing for top honours and scholarships.

Acting Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), Dr. Alhassan Sule, commended the organisers and sponsors for promoting academic excellence.

Represented by the Director of Junior Secondary Schools Department, Hajiya Rahmatu Nusa, Sule described the programme as a “beacon of hope and an exemplary model of how communities can unite to strengthen the foundation of quality education.”

“This laudable project has not only inspired confidence and resilience but also laid a strong foundation for quality education. The scholarships awarded today send a clear message that hard work, dedication, and talent are always recognised and rewarded,” he said.

Program Coordinator of MHCDI, Damilola Fagbohun, stressed that the initiative targets public schools and is designed to expand nationwide.

“The government cannot do it alone. While the government has built schools and employed teachers, NGOs, private companies, and individuals must step in to support. This spelling bee is about more than words—it is about building confidence, nurturing literacy, and proving that our public-school students are just as capable as any in the world,” she said.

A teacher at Junior Secondary School Gwarinpa 1, Mr. Oko-osi Gbolahan Razaq, praised the contest for motivating students to showcase their knowledge.

“This programme brings out the best in them. As a teacher, I make it a habit to give dictations during lessons because it helps students build vocabulary, spelling skills, and self-confidence,” he noted, while urging parents to encourage daily literacy habits at home.

He also encouraged MHCDI to sustain the competition annually as a model of community-driven support for education.