[Opening Remarks] Distinguished guests, esteemed government functionaries, members of the diplomatic corps, educators, Speller-hopefuls, parents, and members of the media, it is an absolute honor to welcome you to this historic moment in our nation’s educational journey. Today, we stand on the cusp of an incredible milestone as Nigeria officially joins the global family of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, a platform that has, for nearly a century, celebrated the intellect, dedication, and tenacity of young minds across the world.
[Origins and Vision of Young Educators Foundation] The story of how we arrived here today is one of vision, perseverance, and a deep-seated belief in the power of education. It began with the Young Educators Foundation’s unwavering mission to empower young learners by providing them with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. This mission led to the acquisition of the Scripps franchise for Ghana nearly two decades ago, making Ghana the first African nation to participate in this prestigious competition. Over the years, Ghana’s Spellers have demonstrated that Africa’s youth are not only eager to compete but also to excel on the global stage.
[The Journey to Nigeria’s Inclusion] But as we celebrated Ghana’s achievements, a new goal began to take shape—a goal championed by the Convener of this initiative, Eugenia Tachie-Menson. The quest to see Nigeria, with its vast pool of talented young minds, represented in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, became a mission that we could not ignore. This mission was driven by two core beliefs.
First, the need to change the narrative of the African child from one who hungers for food to one who hungers for knowledge. It is imperative that our children are included in global educational programs, as they have as much potential and promise as any other child in the world. Second, we took inspiration from the visionary words of the godfather of Pan-Africanism, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who, on a humid March night, in 1957, after leading the charge of gaining Ghana’s independence, proclaimed that “our independence is meaningless unless it is linked with the total liberation of the African continent.” In this context, Ghana’s solo participation in the Scripps Spelling Bee was too narrow a vision to accept. We envisioned a future where more African nations, starting with Nigeria, would stand on the global stage, showcasing the brilliance of our youth.
[The Inaugural Edition of Scripps Spelling Bee USA in Nigeria]We often hear that literacy is the foundation of education, but today, the definition of literacy extends far beyond just the ability to read and write. In our rapidly changing world, comprehension—truly understanding and processing what we read—is critical to the concept of literacy. It is no longer enough to simply decode words on a page; we must also grasp their meaning, context, and the nuanced layers of communication that they carry.
This is where a robust spelling program, such as the Scripps National Spelling Bee, plays an essential role as a co-curricular activity. While traditional curriculum-based learning provides the necessary framework for literacy, spelling programs complement this by deepening students’ understanding of language. Spelling, after all, is not just about memorizing words; it’s about learning the rules and patterns that govern language. This process enhances students’ ability to comprehend complex texts and to communicate their ideas with clarity and precision.
The Scripps Spelling Bee takes this even further by teaching the rudiments of spelling within a broader literacy context. English, as we know, is a language that has borrowed words from at least 13 different languages, each contributing unique elements to its structure. By exposing young learners to the origins and evolution of these words, the Scripps model gives them a richer, more informed understanding of how language works. This exposure not only improves their spelling but also enhances their overall literacy, helping them to see connections between words, meanings, and the diverse cultures from which English has drawn.
In this way, the Scripps Spelling Bee isn’t just a competition—it’s a comprehensive learning experience that equips students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of language and communication in a globalized world. As educators and parents, it is our responsibility to provide such opportunities for our children, ensuring that their literacy skills are not only strong but also deeply rooted in understanding and context.
Today marks the realization of that vision. This maiden edition of the Scripps Spelling Bee USA in Nigeria will unfold in four phases, each meticulously designed to complement curriculum-based learning while imparting invaluable skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork. Beyond the academic benefits, this program will also nurture social skills, instilling in our young Spellers a sense of confidence and resilience that will serve them well in all areas of life.
[Acknowledgments and Partnerships] No venture of this magnitude can succeed without the support of dedicated partners. We are deeply grateful to the Office of the Lagos State Governor, Lucid Education Initiative, Rotary International District 9112, and the American Business Council of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to this cause. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Indomie Noodles, our title sponsor, and Checkers Custard, our co-sponsor, for believing in the power of this program to transform lives.
But the journey has just begun, and there is room for more corporate brands to join us in this noble endeavor. We invite you to partner with us as we work together to create a brighter future for our children.
[Conclusion and Call to Action] Finally, let us remember that this is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of knowledge, a platform for our children to shine, and an opportunity for us all to contribute to their growth and development. The ultimate reward for our Nigerian Spellers is an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they will represent Nigeria in the centenary edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This is not just a trip; it is an opportunity to stand alongside the brightest young minds from around the world, to learn, to compete, and to bring pride to Nigeria. With Nigeria joining Ghana, we are sending a powerful message: that Africa is here, ready to compete on the global stage…..and Ghana and Nigeria will have a new topic to feed our healthy rivalry besides the now famous jollof wars!
I urge parents, educators, civil society, and all who believe in the power of education to join us in making “Spell It Nigeria” a resounding success—a success that will endure for generations to come. Together, let us ensure that this initiative is one that has truly come to stay. Long live the youth of Nigeria, long live Ghana-Nigeria relations, long live the youth of Africa!