Students of Ar-Raheem School, Ilorin, have been presented to the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development following their strong performance at the African Spelling Bee held in Harare.

The continental competition brought together participants from more than 30 African countries, showcasing academic excellence among young learners across the region.

The students were received by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rebecca Bake, during a formal reception in Ilorin.

Olohungbebe described the achievement as a reflection of the strength of the state’s education system, noting that the recognition went beyond medals to highlight the value of discipline and opportunity in shaping student success.

He also referenced the recent success of students from public schools in Kwara who represented Nigeria at an international debate competition in Malaysia, saying the developments show that academic excellence is emerging across both public and private institutions in the state.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to strengthening the education sector and supporting institutions to remain competitive and innovative.

“This is how systems mature—deliberately and consistently—until excellence stops being news and becomes routine,” he said.

He congratulated the students and announced that they are expected to represent Nigeria at the next stage of the competition scheduled to hold in China in July 2026.