By Ahmed Liman Kingimi, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni has declared the 3rd edition of the Yobe State Spelling Bee Competition open, describing it as a deliberate investment in literacy, confidence and academic excellence for children in post-conflict communities.
Represented by Deputy Governor Hon. Idi Barde Gubana at the ceremony held Monday, August 24, 2026, at the NEDC Hall, Government Girls Unity College, Damaturu, the governor said education remains the bedrock of the state’s development agenda.
“Education is the bedrock of any society and in Yobe State, we recognize that the future of our children cannot be left to chance,” Gubana said. “From day one, this administration has accorded top priority to the education sector.”
The governor noted that massive budgetary allocations have led to renovation of schools, construction of new classrooms, provision of learning materials and establishment of mega schools across the state.
He cited the emergence of three Yobe students as winners at the TeenEagle Competition in the United Kingdom last year as proof that the investments are paying off.
“We strongly believe that by investing in the education of our children, we are investing in our future. Our children are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
The governor said the competition goes beyond spelling to build critical thinking, public speaking and a culture of academic distinction.
“The participation of 48 public schools and 25 private schools side by side sends a powerful message that in Yobe State we are one family. Whether public or private, your talent and hard work are equally celebrated,” he said.
He commended teachers, parents and the organizers, particularly Secretary to the State Government Dr. Mohammed Goje who initiated the first edition in 2024.
To the 146 participants from 73 schools, he said: _“Win or lose, you have already achieved greatness by reaching this stage. Compete with integrity. The spelling of a word may be forgotten, but the character you display today will be remembered forever.”
In a major boost, Deputy Governor Gubana announced N2.8 million in cash prizes to reward top schools and officials.
“The school that comes first will get one million naira. The second position will get five hundred thousand naira. The third position is three hundred thousand naira to the school,” he announced.
He added that N1 million has also been set aside for the competition judges.
“Because the winners already have their own prizes, the school should not be left behind because they are the custodians of those children,” he said.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Abubakar K. Zaid, said the Spelling Bee was created to help children in insurgency-affected communities regain confidence and passion for learning.
“Literacy and language proficiency are not merely about spelling words correctly. They are fundamental to learning itself. A child who develops confidence in language is better equipped to read, communicate, compete and eventually lead,” Zaid said.
He noted the deliberate inclusion of public and private schools.
“Intelligence does not recognize whether a child attends a public or private institution. A brilliant child can come from a classroom in a remote community just as easily as from a well-equipped private school in the state capital.”
Zaid added that the competition reflects Yobe’s recovery. “For years insecurity destroyed the education of our children. Today we can bring them together in an atmosphere of peace, learning and healthy competition.”
CEO of Elegance Construction Limited, Engr. Modu Bukar Girgir, who attended as a sponsor, commended the government for institutionalizing the competition.
“This is one of the initiatives which I believe will go a very long way in the improvement of the educational system of our young ones,” he said.
“In Yobe we have capabilities which, if harnessed, will go a long way in the development of not only Yobe but Nigeria at large.”
Representatives of Grayland Multiple Investment and Damuli, Nigerian Food Cooperation Limited, Samsud, Adaf BML Limited, and Investment also applauded the participants, urging them to be hardworking and dedicated.
The 2026 Yobe Spelling Bee 3.0, themed “Reimagining Education in Post-Conflict States,” runs from August 24 to 26 in Damaturu.
Organizers said previous winners such as Zakariya and Asmau have gone on to demonstrate increased confidence and academic performance.
The governor declared the competition open and wished all participants a successful event.
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