Seven students reach MTN mPULSE Spelling Bee grand finale

Seven students from the South-South and South-East regions have qualified for the grand finale of the MTN mPULSE Spelling Bee, following the conclusion of the regional competition held in Port Harcourt on Monday. The successful students are Jaden Chimezunem, Nancy Ikechukwu, Godswill Obasi, Stephanie Ogbonna, Henry Williams, Harrison Aduku, and Victory Okafor.

They emerged from a group of 20 contestants representing nine schools across the two regions. They will now join other finalists from across the country to compete for the national title in Lagos. The spelling bee is an annual initiative by MTN Nigeria that started in 2020 to promote academic excellence, literacy and intellectual development among young NIGERIANS.

Regional Selection

Speaking at the event, MTN's Regional General Manager, Sales and Distribution, South Region, Ifeanyi Udom, explained how the finalists emerged. She noted that 20 outstanding students from the online round were selected to compete in Port Harcourt, from which the top seven earned their places for the Lagos final.

Udom encouraged the contestants to view the competition as a chance to develop a stronger interest in learning and reading more. She commended all 20 participants for reaching the regional stage.

Finalist Reaction

One of the finalists, 14-year-old Henry Williams of Legend College, Uyo, expressed excitement after reaching the final on his third attempt. He explained that he used his father's phone to practice words and spent time reading at his school library after failing in the early stages during previous years.

Williams stated that he plans to dedicate more time to studying ahead of the grand finale. Parents, teachers and other stakeholders were present at the Port Harcourt event to support the contestants.