By Ayomide Otitoju
MTN Nigeria has launched the seventh edition of its mPulse Spelling Bee, expanding the national literacy competition with a new format designed to promote inclusion and regional participation.
The 2025 edition, which begins with a practice stage on July 28, is open to Nigerian students aged 9 to 15 in primary and secondary schools. For the first time, physical regional competitions will be held in Ibadan for the South-West, Enugu for the South-East and South-South, and Abuja for the North-Central, North-East, and North-West.
The contest will run through five stages — Practice Stage, Entry Phase, Regional Qualification, Physical Regional Competitions, and the Grand Finale in Lagos. From the first round, 3,000 students will advance to regional stages, and the top 20 spellers nationwide will compete for the crown in Lagos.
This year’s prize pool exceeds ₦40 million, with rewards for students, schools, and teachers. The winner will be named MTN CEO for a Day, receive a ₦5 million educational grant, a brand-new laptop and smartphone, while their teacher gets ₦500,000. The winner’s school will also receive 10 laptops, 10 MTN 5G routers, and a ₦10 million flagship project.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said the initiative is more than a competition. “It’s a platform for young Nigerians to gain recognition, leadership opportunities, and academic support. We are proud to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders,” she stated.
Last year’s winner, Ikenna Ikechukwu, recalled the intense preparation required, crediting the platform for boosting his confidence and inspiring him to aim higher.
Now in its seventh year, the mPulse Spelling Bee continues to bridge education and opportunity, highlighting young talent across all six geopolitical zones.
