MARYAM Yusuf, a niqab-wearing student of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, delivered an outstanding performance at the African Spelling Bee held last week in Harare, Zimbabwe, where top young spellers from over 30 African countries competed.
An Islamic newspaper, Muslim News, reported that despite being a JSS 3 student, Maryam competed in the senior category and emerged as Nigeria’s best performer in the speed round, a demanding segment requiring contestants to spell 20 words within one minute.
She correctly spelled 17 words within the allotted time, recording the highest score among the five Nigerian contestants and playing a decisive role in the country’s overall performance.
Her effort contributed significantly to Nigeria finishing as the second-best team in Africa in the speed test category, with a combined score of 15.60, just behind South Africa, which placed first with 15.66.
Following closely was her schoolmate, Abdurrahman Yusuf, also of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, who delivered an impressive performance in the junior category.
He secured third position in Africa, further boosting Nigeria’s medal tally.
In addition to the Ilorin-based duo, Nigeria was represented by three other contestants: Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti; Oghenetano Idoghor of Mountain Top Schools, Lagos; and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba.
At the individual level, Nigeria recorded a major success in the junior category, where Oluwadamilola Adeolu emerged as the African champion, clinching first position.
Abdurrahman Yusuf secured third place in the same category, while Nigeria did not win an individual award in the senior category despite strong performances led by Maryam.
The achievements in Zimbabwe mark the culmination of a rigorous selection process that began with the Nigerian Spelling Bee, an annual competition organised across the 36 states by the Nigeria Spelling Bee Foundation, with the approval of the Federal Ministry of Education and in collaboration with the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC).
In Kwara State, Maryam Yusuf distinguished herself by competing in the senior category and emerging as the best speller in the state. Her schoolmate, Abdurrahman Yusuf, also excelled, winning the junior category.
Their victories earned them spots at the national finals in Port Harcourt, where they competed with top spellers from across the country. Their performances at that level secured their selection among the five students who represented Nigeria at the African Spelling Bee in Zimbabwe.
Reacting to the feat, the Principal of Ar-Raheem International College, Mr Kamor Adebayo, congratulated the students for their exceptional performance and for making the school proud on the continental stage.
He described the achievement as a significant milestone for the institution, noting that the school organised a reception for the students upon their return to celebrate their success.
According to him, the students are expected to represent Nigeria at the global level in China, subject to securing sponsorship.
He appealed to government authorities and private organisations to support the initiative, adding that the school has already reached out to relevant bodies and remains hopeful of assistance.
For Maryam Yusuf, her journey from Ilorin to Zimbabwe goes beyond competition. It stands as a powerful statement of excellence, identity, and inspiration, demonstrating that wearing the niqab is no barrier to intellectual achievement, but can coexist with determination, brilliance and global success.
