In July this year, a school children program has given a new direction to Yobe State education sector, igniting and ushering in a new approach to learning.
The program has not only influence how the next generations in the state will pursue education, but also brought together the future of the state under one roof, united to compete for excellence, as well as developed their confidence in facing challenges.
Although not the meidan edition in the state, this latest episode has introduced new developments that is likely to take its education to a higher level.
It has suggested that beyond building of mega schools and distribution of educational materials, innovative ideas can create bigger impacts in building a promising future of an educated society.
This report tries to analyze the A-Z of this program, its impact, floors, lessons learned and what it means for the future.
THE PROGRAM
The 2nd edition of Yobe Spelling Bee started on Wednesday July 10, 2024 and ended three days later.
Spelling Bee, a words spelling competition among school children, is a famous educational program recognized worldwide.
In Yobe, the competition was sponsored and funded by individuals.
According to Dr. Mohammed Goje, the chairman of the organizing committee, there were several calls from people, especially schools to organize the second edition, and that motivated him to start mobilizing the resources required to do it.
The program brought 144 students from 72 schools spread across the 17 local government areas of Yobe.
At the end of the program, a winner, runner-up and second runner-up were presented with awards while all participants were hosted to a fun fair.
IMPACT AND REWARDS
The 2nd Yobe Spelling Bee has gained momentum from audience both within Nigeria and beyond. It has drawn the attention of foreign observers who were seen showering praises on the organizers and contributing to it’s success.
On that regard, it was reported that Dr. Benjamin and Family, a Nigerian living in the United Kingdom donated N45,000 to the winners.
Also, Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora (OCI) foundation granted N180,000 for the three winners.
Similarly, domestic and international nongovernmental organizations like Save the Children International (SCI), Center for Advocacy and Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), Portrait of Lack Child Initiative, Intellectual Potential Initiative (IPI) and Kingirambe Care Foundation among others have recognized and contributed to the program.
While the impact of the program can be seen from different directions, the bigger news came from the state government, who after commending the organizing team, pledged to take ownership of the program, to be organized annually at state level.
This follows a personal donation of N750,000 by Governor Mai Mala Buni and his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana as award for the winners.
In addition, the state governor also issued an automatic appointment to Fatima Jibrin Abdullahi, a voluntary teacher from Potiskum who participated in mentoring some of the participants at the Spelling Bee, a move likely to encourage others to join in serving their communities.
Many participants in the competition were equally presented with other gifts, including cash donations from other sources.
It was reported that among other gifts, the first price winner, Khadija Modu Manga, of Zaid Bin Thabit Secondary School, Damaturu took home a cash prize of N1m, a trophy, two tablet phones and a laptop.
The 1st runner-up, Yusuf Haruna Mohammed of Government Day Junior Secondary School Kara Potiskum gets N305,000 and two tablet phones, while Humaira Haruna Mohammed of Junior Secondary School Gashua, who secured the third position received N200,000 cash donation.
Similarly, there were widespread appreciations from individuals and communities at the end of the program, who engaged in rewarding their wards for participation.
While some are showering gifts to both winners and losers, others took extra effort to make it an occasion.
This is evident in Potiskum local government where the first runner-up, Yusuf Haruna Muhammad and other participants were hosted to a dinner (Walima) to celebrate their truimp in the competition, during which they were decorated with gifts.
NEW APPROACH TO LEARNING AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE FUTURE
In-between the episodes about the winners and losers, the competition has given a new dimension and approach to learning among the school children.
In an interview with Jummai Mohammed, a school teacher, she said that words spelling is the most important aspect of learning on school children.
‘Knowing the spelling and understanding of the meaning of the words, gives them the real knowledge and the idea of what they are taught in classrooms.
‘Imagine if our children are taught in their native languages, the outcome would be massive but unfortunately, we have English as our official language and without learning the language first, teaching and learning becomes meaningless,’ she explained.
Also, Usman Abba Zanna, an educationist and journalist said that understanding language is very important to learning, without which students would be subjected to craming of things they do not fully understand.
He noted that programs like Spelling Bee will enhance students’ understanding of the things they learn in classrooms.
‘If this will continue, I believe that the future of education and learning in Yobe State will be enriched and the future generations will get it right,’ he said.
Mr. Zanna added that such programs can also attract educational grants and donations from both domestic and international donors.
SCHOLARSHIP
At the heart of newses from the Spelling Bee came the scholarship awards granted some participants.
While the organizing committee had secured scholarship grants to the three winners, about ten participants from Bade local government were also awarded with scholarship.
It was granted by Dr. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, Yobe State Coordinator, North East Development Commission, NEDC.
In his comments, Dr. Abbas said that he is a product of scholarship since his basic education upto PhD, and he believes it is time to give back to the society.
LESSONS LEARNED; THE STORY OF KHADIJA
Khadija Usman Ismail, a young school girl participated in the Spelling Bee competition with high hopes and aspirations.
During the competition, her exceptional spelling abilities had garnered her a reputation as a smart and formidable competitor, and many bets their hope on her as a potential winner.
Narrating her journey through to the competition, her mother recalled how she slides through several sleepless nights practicing. The story of her dedication and determination is both fascinating and inspiring.
As the competition progressed, Khadija continued to showcased her remarkable skills, effortlessly spelling complex words with precision and confidence.
During a crucial moment, she encountered an unexpected challenge that ultimately led to her elimination.
Khadija was given a word to spell, but unlike her and for the first time, she requested for it to be pronounced again.
That action raised eyebrows among the judges and audience, knowing her prowess; and in her attempt, she made a critical error that resulted in her elimination from the competition, sending a shock waves of anxiety and heartbreak in the arena.
Her knockout exit from the competition served as a reminder that even exceptional individuals can falter under pressure or unexpected circumstances.
It also highlighted the importance of composure, sharp thinking and adaptability to pressure in a competitive environments.
As she said in a documentary interview, ‘position only exist when one participate, it is either you win or you lose. The truth is, for me, lossing is not a failure and this is not the end of my success story,’ serves as a valuable lesson in resilience and learning from setbacks. It is through facing challenges and overcoming obstacles that true growth and development occur.
That will undoubtedly shape her and others present, in their future endeavors and strengthen their resolve to excel in future competitions.
WINERS AND LOSERS
Like the story of Khadija, both participants and observers asserts that there are no losers at the end of the program but only winners.
These they shared through interviews, comments and post on social media platforms.
While the participants share their experiences in interviews and the program’s documentary, they emphasized that the experiences and lessons learned are bigger than winning or losing.
They also believed that losing only sends a message that it is not the end of the road and that it also gives them the idea of planning and preparing well before any challenge.
However, if there are any losers, it is anyone who misses the opportunity to see and experience first hand, the anxieties, emotions, excitements and courage displayed in that event.
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