* As commissioner pledges continued support for quality education
* School seeks sponsorship for China championship
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has congratulated two pupils from Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, Abdurrahman Oreoluwa Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf, for their outstanding performance at the African Spelling Bee competition held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The governor, in a statement posted on his social media handles on Friday, praised the duo for making Kwara State and Nigeria proud after helping the country secure a silver medal at the continental contest.
Muslim News gathered that Maryam, a 14 year old niqab wearing student, and her 12 year old schoolmate, Abdurrahman, alongside three other students, represented Nigeria at the competition, where the country finished second in the speed test category with a combined score of 15.60, narrowly behind South Africa’s 15.66.
The impressive performance qualified both Nigeria and South Africa to represent Africa at the global championship scheduled to hold in China from July 10 to July 20, 2026.
Governor AbdulRazaq described the feat as worthy of celebration, saying the students had joined the growing list of Kwara children making the state proud on the national and global stage.
“I heartily congratulate two Kwara pupils, Yusuf Abdurrahman Oreoluwa and Yusuf Maryam of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, on their excellent performance at a Spelling Bee Competition in Harare, Zimbabwe,” the governor said.
“This is clearly something to celebrate, and I convey our congratulations to Oreoluwa and Maryam. I thank them for being good ambassadors of our state, joining the esteemed league of Kwara school children who have had the world under their feet at various national and international competitions.”
He also congratulated the parents of the students and the management of Ar-Raheem International College for what he described as a major milestone in the lives of the children.
According to the governor, the students’ success reflects the state government’s sustained investment in qualitative and accessible education, as well as strategic collaboration with stakeholders in the education sector.
“These feats align with our unrelenting investments in qualitative and accessible education, which is the foundation for any enduring civilisation. It is also a sweet fruit of the strategic partnership between government and different stakeholders,” he added.
Olohungbebe hosts Ar-Raheem Champions, pledges continued support for quality education
Earlier on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, hosted the duo alongside other students representing the College in various competitions at his office, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with private schools to expand access to quality education across the state.
Led by the Principal of the college, Mr Kamor Adebayo, the students had earlier emerged winners at the national level in Port Harcourt, earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the African contest in Zimbabwe.
The commissioner said the students’ success demonstrated the impact of inclusive policies that support both public and private schools in delivering quality education.
He added that the AbdulRazaq administration would continue to promote partnerships that improve educational standards and ensure that no child is left behind.
“Your success underscores what is possible when government creates an enabling environment and works closely with private schools to deliver quality education. We will continue to support you,” Olohungbebe said.
College seeks support to sponsor Spelling Bee champions to China
Meanwhile, the principal, while speaking with Muslim News, appealed for financial support to enable the students participate in the world championship in China.
Mr Adebayo said the school needs to raise 18,660 dollars to cover the travel expenses of the two students and one tutor who will accompany them to China.
According to him, the amount will cover return tickets, visa fees, and other logistics throughout the duration of the competition.
“We are to sponsor each student for the trip, costing 6,320 dollars, including return tickets, visa, and other expenses throughout their stay. We have two students from our school and one tutor, the English teacher, who will go with them, making about 18,660 dollars in sponsorship we are trying to get,” he said.
Mr. Adebayo disclosed that the school had written to the Kwara State Government for support and expressed confidence that Governor AbdulRazaq would respond positively.
“We do not know anyone, but we have Allah. We have written to the state government and we believe our Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is a lover of youth and education and will heed our call for sponsorship,” he said.
He added that the school is open to support from individuals, organisations, and public institutions to ensure the students represent Nigeria at the global championship.
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