Nigeria’s Newton Temojo Advances to Quarterfinals of 2026 Scripps Spelling Competition
Nigeria showcased an impressive performance at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, with 11-year-old national champion Newton Temojo advancing to the quarterfinals of one of the world’s most esteemed academic competitions for young students.
Newton’s achievement marks a notable improvement for Nigeria, following the country’s exit in the preliminary round at the 2025 edition of the contest.
Representing Nigeria among top young spellers from across the United States and several other countries, Newton demonstrated remarkable composure, extensive vocabulary, and competitive excellence throughout the event, before being eliminated in the quarterfinals on the word “dissuade.”
Nigeria was also represented by Amazing-Grace Salami, the country’s first-ever Scripps Spelling Bee Nigeria champion, who competed at the 2025 edition. Her return to the international stage highlights the growing continuity and development of Nigeria’s spelling and literacy ecosystem, as more young students gain exposure to high-level academic competitions and global learning opportunities.
The participation of the Nigerian delegates was organised by the Young Educators Foundation Africa (YEFA), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting literacy and creating international educational opportunities for African youth.
Speaking after the competition, YEFA representatives described Nigeria’s overall performance as another encouraging milestone for spelling and literacy education in the country.
“Newton’s progression to the quarterfinals, alongside Amazing-Grace’s continued representation at the international level, reflects the increasing academic potential of young Nigerians when supported and given exposure,” the organisation stated.
Organisers noted that Nigeria’s ongoing involvement in the Scripps National Spelling Bee is fostering confidence, critical thinking, vocabulary mastery, and global competitiveness among young learners.
The event also underscored the growing collaboration between African spelling programmes, with Ghana and Nigeria remaining the only African countries currently participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Ghanaian national champion Eugene Osei Mensah also competed, while Keona Osae-Twum — first runner-up at The National Spelling Bee-Ghana (TNSB), who later represented New Jersey after extensive training with TNSB Ghana coaches and resources — advanced to the semi-finals of the contest.
Nigeria’s continued growth in spelling and literacy education has been further supported by strategic partnerships backing the national spelling programme. Spelling Bee Nigeria is co-sponsored by Checkers Custard, with support from the U.S. Mission Lagos, Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, the American Business Council, Maltina, the Lucid Education Initiative, and Kids FM 101.7 Lagos — alliances that continue to expand opportunities for young Nigerian learners to compete and excel on the global stage.
YEFA expressed gratitude to parents, educators, coaches, partners, and supporters whose dedication makes international participation possible for African students.
Although the 2026 competition has concluded, organisers say preparations for future involvement are already underway, with renewed focus on strengthening literacy programmes and increasing opportunities for more young Africans to compete internationally.
The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee was hosted at the JW Marriott, Washington D.C., USA, gathering some of the world’s brightest young spellers.