Twelve public secondary schools across Osun State competed in the second edition of the Teens Mentoring and Rural Education Development Initiative (TeemRedi) spelling bee on Saturday at the main hall of Osogbo Grammar School.

Each school fielded two spellers, who were accompanied by their teachers and fellow students who came to support them.

The event drew education stakeholders, teachers, and supporters of academic development from within and outside the state.

Speaking at the opening, TeemRedi Executive Director, Mrs. Adeola Kelvin-Gbemikaiye, said the competition was designed to promote literacy and academic excellence among secondary school students. She explained that the aim was to expand students’ vocabulary, improve communication skills, and encourage a culture of reading and intellectual engagement.

Kelvin-Gbemikaiye urged the students to value education and discipline over shortcuts. “Today is not just about spelling words. Today is about changing mindsets, restoring belief, and reminding young people that education is still powerful,” she said. “Education is not a scam. Your books are not a waste. Your late nights studying are not useless. Your discipline is not foolishness. Your dreams are valid.”

She added that while quick money might buy attention, knowledge builds influence and character sustains greatness, noting that history remembers people of value built through learning and consistency. She also thanked parents and teachers for nurturing students in a distracting era, saying Nigeria’s future would be transformed in classrooms and through competitions that restore young people’s belief in education.

Chairman of the planning committee, Kazeem Badmus, told participants to view the competition as a chance to build courage and confidence. “The fact that you qualified to be here means you have put in work that many of your peers have not,” he said. “Whether you take home the first prize or not, every word you learn and every stage you step on makes you stronger.”

Lukman Sofiyat Opeyemi of Ifeoluwa Grammar School emerged first, followed by Fashina Joseph of Salvation Army Grammar School in second, and Owen Iyennoma Favor of Baptist Girls’ High School in third.

The winners received ₦150,000, ₦100,000, and ₦70,000 respectively to support their education.