Seven pupils from the Ibadan Region have earned their spots in the 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee grand final after showcasing exceptional spelling skills and confidence at the regional finals, a platform created to enhance literacy and motivate excellence among young learners.
The finalists emerged on Saturday during the Ibadan Regional Finals, where 20 contestants competed after being shortlisted from over 500 pupils screened across eight Southwest states—Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo and Edo.
The intense regional stage tested the participants across five competitive rounds, gradually narrowing the field to the top seven spellers who will now move on to the national showdown.
MTN General Manager, Consumer Segment, Mr. Idowu Adesokan, described the regional contest as a “battle of champions,” highlighting the brilliance and resilience the pupils displayed throughout the rounds.
He emphasised that the national winner of the 2025 edition will serve as “MTN CEO for a Day,” a unique opportunity that comes with more than N40 million worth of benefits.
He explained that the champion will chair an MTN executive committee meeting, participate in high-level decision-making, and enjoy rewards including a N5 million educational grant, a brand-new laptop and smartphone.
Adesokan noted that MTN has upgraded the prizes for the seventh edition to further encourage excellence.
The teacher of the overall national champion will receive N500,000, while the winner’s school will be awarded 10 laptops, 10 routers and a N10 million project grant to support educational development.
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MTN Senior Manager, Youths and Teens Segment, Mr. Temilolu Salako, said the mPulse initiative remains one of the organisation’s strongest commitments to supporting education through its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.
He confirmed that the national grand finale will take place on November 29 in Lagos, featuring finalists from Abuja, Enugu and other regions.
Representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola, a director from the ministry, Mr. Muminni Busari, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to grooming future leaders.
He applauded MTN for consistently sustaining a competition that has shaped young minds for seven years.
One of the Ibadan regional winners, Miss Goodness Ewenike, expressed determination to clinch the national crown and experience the opportunity of leading MTN as CEO for a day. She said the contest had broadened her academic knowledge and encouraged her to study more extensively.
Another finalist, Master Shilton Temojo, appreciated the platform MTN has provided for young learners, urging other students to embrace opportunities that promote learning and personal growth.
NAN
