Nigeria delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, with 11 year-old national champion Newton Temojo advancing to the quarterfinal stage of one of the world’s most prestigious academic competitions for young students.

Newton’s performance marks a significant improvement for Nigeria following the country’s preliminary-round exit at the 2025 edition of the competition.

Representing Nigeria among elite young spellers from across the United States and several participating countries, Newton demonstrated remarkable composure, vocabulary depth, and competitive excellence throughout the contest before exiting in the quarterfinals on the vocabulary word “dissuade.”

Nigeria was also represented by Amazing-Grace Salami, the country’s first-ever Scripps Spelling Bee Nigeria champion, who represented Nigeria at the 2025 edition of the competition.

Her return to the international stage reflects the growing continuity and development of Nigeria’s spelling and literacy ecosystem, as more young students gain exposure to high-level academic competition and global learning opportunities.

The participation of the Nigerian delegates was facilitated by Young Educators Foundation Africa (YEFA), an NGO committed to promoting literacy development, and creating international educational opportunities for African youth.

Speaking after the competition, representatives of YEFA described Nigeria’s overall performance as another encouraging milestone for spelling and literacy education in the country.

“Newton’s advancement to the quarterfinal stage, together with Amazing-Grace’s continued representation at the international level, reflects the growing academic potential of young Nigerians when given the right support and exposure,” the organization stated.

Organizers noted that Nigeria’s continued participation at the Scripps National Spelling Bee is helping to build confidence, critical thinking, vocabulary mastery, and global competitiveness among young learners.

The competition also highlighted growing collaboration between African spelling programmes, with Ghana and Nigeria remaining the only African countries currently participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Also participating in this year’s event was Ghanaian national champion Eugene Osei Mensah, while Keona Osae-Twum — first runner-up at The National Spelling Bee- Ghana (TNSB), who later represented New Jersey state after training extensively with TNSB Ghana coaches and resources — advanced to the semifinals of the competition.

The continued growth of spelling and literacy education in Nigeria has also been strengthened through strategic partnerships supporting the national spelling program. Spellingbee In Nigeria is co-sponsored by Checkers Custard, with support from the U.S. Mission Lagos, Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, American Business Council, Maltina, Lucid Education Initiative, and Kids FM 101.7 Lagos — partnerships that continue to expand opportunities for young Nigerian learners to compete and excel on the global stage.

YEFA expressed appreciation to parents, educators, coaches, partners, and supporters whose commitment continues to make international participation possible for African students.

While the 2026 competition has concluded, organizers say preparations for future participation are already underway, with renewed focus on strengthening literacy programs and expanding opportunities for more young Africans to compete internationally.

The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee was held at the JW Marriot, Washington D.C.,USA, bringing together some of the world’s brightest young spellers.