Aluko Precious, a student from Saint Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin has emerged as the winner of the inaugural Spell Quest 1.0, a literacy and academic excellence competition held in Kwara State.
Organized by Myadmissionlink Educational Consult Limited, the event, themed “School No Be Scam”, sought to counter the growing sentiment that education lacks value and reward in Nigeria.
Precious walked away with a grand prize of ₦500,000, a significant boost to her educational ambitions.
In an emotional victory speech, Precious reflected on her journey and challenges, especially as a public-school student competing against peers from private institutions.
“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, expressed hope that the prize money would help her purchase books and other resources to kickstart her academic dream.
Aluko Precious
In addition to the grand prize, Myadmissionlink Educational Consult announced a special educational initiative for all students of Saint Anthony Secondary School. As part of their commitment to supporting academic growth, Myadmissionlink will provide the school’s junior and senior students with three months of free access to the A1Tutor app.
The app offers a wide range of online classes and academic assistance tailored to help students excel in their studies.
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 Kayode Paul Olanipekun, CEO of Myadmissionlinks Educational Consult.
L-R: CEO Myadmissionlink Educational Limited Kayode Paul Olanipekun, and Aluko Precious
The Spell Quest 1.0 competition brought together 24 secondary schools across Kwara State, with participants from both public and private institutions.
Contestants, grouped into junior and senior categories, competed in spelling rounds that tested their vocabulary, critical thinking, and quick reflexes. The event highlighted the wealth of talent among Nigerian students and the value of fostering healthy academic competition.
Mohammad Ahmad, the third runner-up from Aderoju International School, also shared his experience. “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, urging his peers to embrace learning as a pathway to success.
Cross-section of participating students and parents at the event
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.
Kayode Paul Olanipekun emphasized the dual purpose of the event. “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 said.
The fair garnered praise from attendees, including Adebayo Mariam, 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 organizers for the initiative. “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,” he said.
The theme “School No Be Scam” directly addresses a narrative in Nigeria often summed up as “school na scam,” reflecting skepticism about the rewards of academic achievement. By recognizing and rewarding outstanding students like Precious and introducing supportive initiatives like the A1Tutor app access, the Spell Quest initiative seeks to challenge this notion and inspire young Nigerians to see education as a transformative tool.
With a mix of academic rigor and opportunities for global exploration, the Spell Quest 1.0 and Study Abroad Fair underscore the enduring value of education and the potential it holds for the nation’s youth.
