Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has awarded a full educational scholarship to 14-year-old Damilola Adeolu following her outstanding performance at the World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China, where she won two gold medals.
The scholarship will cover Damilola’s education from senior secondary school through university. The governor also approved monthly allowances to support her welfare, learning materials and other academic needs.
Damilola, a Senior Secondary School One student at St. Lawrence Metropolitan College in Ado Ekiti, represented Africa at the global competition after winning both the National and African Spelling Bee Championships earlier this year.
The announcement was made when the governor received the student, her parents, coach and the proprietor of her school at the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti. Details of the event were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.
Commending the teenager’s achievement, Oyebanji described her success as a source of pride for Ekiti State, Nigeria and the African continent, saying her accomplishment demonstrated the rewards of hard work, dedication and academic excellence.
He expressed confidence that her feat would inspire other young people to pursue excellence and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting gifted students by providing opportunities for them to compete on the global stage.
As part of the support package, the governor said the state government would fund Damilola’s tuition, provide monthly welfare support and supply essential educational materials, including books and a computer, throughout her studies.
He also pledged to facilitate meetings for the student with the Minister of Education and the Office of the First Lady to ensure her achievement receives wider national recognition.
In addition, the governor announced cash awards of ₦2 million each for Damilola and her school, while her coach received ₦1 million in recognition of his contribution to her success.
Speaking on behalf of the school, proprietor Lawrence Oluwafemi expressed appreciation to the state government for sponsoring the delegation’s participation in the championship, saying the support played a crucial role in the team’s success.
He added that the school has several other talented students and expressed optimism that they would perform strongly when they return for next year’s competition in Beijing.
Damilola, who described her victory as an unforgettable experience, thanked the governor for recognising her achievement and pledged to continue striving for excellence.
She also encouraged other young people to remain focused on their goals, expressing confidence that determination and perseverance can lead to success.
Several senior government officials attended the reception, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; the Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; the Commissioner for Education, Dr Bimpe Aderiye; the Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof Akeem Azeez; and the Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.
