No fewer than 73 schools from the 17 local government areas of Yobe State are participating in the third edition of the Yobe State Spelling Bee Competition holding in Damaturu.

The three-day competition, which began on August 24 and ends on August 26, features 51 public schools, 21 private schools and one special school.

Declaring the competition open, Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, described the initiative as an investment in literacy, confidence, critical thinking, public speaking and academic excellence.

“Education is the bedrock of any society and in Yobe State, we recognise that the future of our children cannot be left to chance; hence, we have always accorded topmost priority to the education sector right from the very first day of this administration,” the governor said.

A major highlight of the event was the recognition of a physically challenged contestant, who received an award presented by the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr Muhammad Goje.

The gesture underscored the inclusive nature of the competition and reinforced the message that physical disability should not be a barrier to participation, recognition or academic achievement.

The competition is funded through Corporate Social Responsibility contributions from private-sector organisations in the state, while the Yobe State Government provides institutional support and coordination.

The third edition builds on the maiden competition held in 2021, which attracted more than 40 schools and 100 contestants.

The 2024 edition featured 144 contestants, comprising 72 boys and 72 girls from 72 schools.

The initiative has continued to promote reading, discipline and healthy academic competition among children from rural and urban communities.

Under the Buni administration, the Spelling Bee has evolved into a platform for discovering talent, encouraging reading and strengthening the intellectual development of children, particularly in a state recovering from the effects of prolonged insecurity.

The overall winner will receive N1 million, a bicycle, laptop, tablet and books, while the winning teacher will receive a motorcycle and N500,000.

The second-place student will receive N500,000, a bicycle, laptop and books, while the second-place teacher will receive a deep freezer and N250,000.

The organisers said the initiative reflected the belief that education transformation went beyond infrastructure to include programmes that stimulate curiosity, reward excellence and build confidence among young learners.