Aluko Precious, a student of Saint Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin, has emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of Spell Quest 1.0, a literacy and academic excellence competition held in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Organised by Myadmissionlink Educational Consult Limited, the event, themed “School No Be Scam,” aimed to challenge the growing narrative that education lacks value and reward in Nigeria.

Aluko Precious outshone her peers to win the grand prize of ?500,000, a remarkable boost toward her educational goals.

In her heartfelt victory speech, Aluko reflected on her journey, acknowledging the challenges she faced as a public school student competing against those from private institutions. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity and determination to inspire others.

“When I saw other competitors from private schools dressed in jackets, I felt intimidated because of my background. But I stayed focused and confident, and my preparation paid off,” she said.

Precious, who aspires to study law at the university, expressed hope that the prize money would help her purchase books and other resources to kickstart her academic dream.

In addition to the grand prize, Myadmissionlink Educational Consult announced a special educational initiative for all students of Saint Anthony Secondary School.

Speaking with journalists at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Myadmissionlink Educational Consult, Mr Kayode Paul Olanipekun, said about 24 public and private schools participated in the event with a grand prize of N500,000 and consolation prizes for all the participants.

Describing it as part of the corporate social responsibility of the organisation to support academic growth, he said that Myadmissionlink will provide the school's junior and senior students with three months of free access to the A1 Tutor App.

The A1 Tutor App, which can be downloaded on mobile devices from App stores, offers a wide range of online classes and academic assistance tailored to help students excel in their studies, saying that this initiative is designed to empower Saint Anthony students with valuable resources to enhance their learning experiences and support their educational journeys.

“We are thrilled to extend this opportunity to Saint Anthony Secondary School, ensuring that every student benefits from their collective victory,” said Olanipekun.

He explained that contestants, grouped into junior and senior categories, competed in spelling rounds that tested their vocabulary, critical thinking, and quick reflexes, pointing out that the event highlighted the wealth of talent among Nigerian students and the value of fostering healthy academic competition.

Olanipekun emphasised the dual purpose of the event, saying, “At MyAdmissionLink, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and create brighter futures. The Spell Quest celebrates the brilliance of young scholars, while the Study Abroad Fair opens doors to global opportunities.”.

He therefore called for more investments in the education sector and better remuneration for teachers and cautioned them not to compromise standards in the discharge of their duties.

Mohammad Ahmad, the third runner-up from Aderoju International School, said, “I'm proud to be part of this event. Spelling is not as hard as people think. This competition proves that education is the key to unlocking potential,” he said.

He therefore urged his peers to embrace learning as a pathway to success.

In addition to the competition, the event featured a Study Abroad Fair, showcasing opportunities with prestigious institutions from countries such as Canada, the UK, the USA, and Europe. Participating institutions included De Montfort University (UK), Fanshawe College (Canada), and Webster University (USA & Greece), among others.

Representatives provided guidance on programs, scholarships, and immigration, offering students and parents a chance to explore international academic prospects.

The event garnered praise from attendees, including Adebayo Miriam, a student from Ilorin, who expressed her excitement about the insights she gained.

“The fair gave me valuable information about studying abroad and the opportunities available. I feel inspired to pursue my dream of attending a university in Canada,” she shared.

A parent, Mr Tunde Ogunbiyi, commended the organisers for the initiative, saying, “This event is a game changer. It's not just about exploring study options but also equipping us with practical knowledge about scholarships and career prospects. I'm grateful for this opportunity for my child.”

The theme “School No Be Scam” directly addresses a narrative in Nigeria often summed up as “school na scam,” reflecting scepticism about the rewards of academic achievement.