The third Yobe Spelling Bee Competition will take place in Damaturu from 24 to 26 August 2026, bringing together young learners from 73 schools across all 17 local government areas of Yobe State.
Participants will include pupils from 51 public schools, 21 private schools and one special school. The organisers say the mix reflects an effort to identify and support talent regardless of location, background or type of school.
The competition is funded through corporate social responsibility contributions from private-sector organisations in the state and is supported by the Yobe State Government. Organisers describe the arrangement as an example of how private-sector involvement can complement public investment in education.
This year’s event builds on previous editions. The inaugural competition in 2021 involved more than 40 schools and 100 contestants. The second edition, held in 2024, brought together 144 contestants — 72 boys and 72 girls — from 72 schools.
Organisers say the programme aims to promote literacy, confidence, discipline and healthy academic competition among children from both rural and urban communities. Under Governor Mai Mala Buni, the competition has been presented as a platform for discovering talent, encouraging reading and supporting the intellectual development of children in a state recovering from the effects of prolonged insecurity.
The initiative is also described as part of a broader approach that seeks to go beyond physical infrastructure by fostering curiosity, recognising achievement and helping children develop confidence in their abilities.
Parents, teachers, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, corporate organisations and members of the public are invited to support the contestants in an orderly manner.
The organisers state that the competition seeks not only to identify strong spellers but also to help develop confident young people and contribute to the long-term educational and social progress of Yobe State.
