Amazing-Grace Ahuoyiza Ebiebi Salami, an 11-year-old from Greenpath Preparatory School, Abuja, has become Nigeria’s first-ever Spellingbee In Nigeria (SpIN) National Champion.

The grand finale, held at the U.S. Consul General’s residence in Lagos, saw 64 finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States compete in a display of linguistic mastery and academic excelle​nce.

Attended by diplomatic corps members, parents and e​ducational leaders, the event showcased the talent of Nigeria’s brightest young minds, as they battled through rounds of spelling challenges.

The competition, which began in September with hundreds of participants across the country, concluded after Amazing-Grace correctly spelled the winning word, “Melange” to claim the title.

The champion will receive an all-expense-paid trip to represent Nigeria at the 100th edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, a historic centennial celebration.

Delivering remarks at the inaugural contest, Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg emphasized the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the United States’ first national spelling bee.

“We are very excited this year will also mark Nigeria’s first entrance into the competition, alongside students from all 50 United States and international students from Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, and beyond,” Gorg said.

The Consul General added that since 1925, the Scripps Spelling Bee has showcased American academic excellence, while promoting literacy and a love of the English language among youth.

Eugenia Tachie-Menson, Convener of Spellingbee In Nigeria, described the competition as a platform that builds confidence, public speaking skills and critical thinking in young learners.

“We have not only unearthed champions but also inspired a generation of students to aim for global excellence,” Eugenia said, adding: “We are grateful to our partners, parents, and schools for making this dream a reality.”

Nigeria’s Grace Salami to compete at 100th US National Spelling Bee