Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has applauded two secondary school pupils from the state for their sterling performance at an international spelling bee competition in Harare, Zimbabwe, where they helped Nigeria clinch a silver medal.

The pupils, Yusuf Abdurrahman Oreoluwa and Yusuf Maryam of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, were part of a three-member Nigerian team that competed against participants from several countries. They were joined by Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe, an indigene of Ekiti State, in representing Nigeria at the continental contest.

In a message released through his official channels, AbdulRazaq described the pupils’ performance as “excellent” and a source of pride for both Kwara and the country. He said their success underscored the growing profile of Kwara students in national and international academic competitions.

The governor noted that the Harare outing has now earned the pupils qualification to represent Nigeria at a global spelling championship scheduled to hold in China. He said the forthcoming event would offer them an even bigger platform to showcase their talent and Nigeria’s educational promise.

AbdulRazaq congratulated the pupils individually, commending their discipline, hard work and composure under pressure. He also extended his appreciation to their parents and the management of Ar-Raheem International College, urging them to sustain the standards that produced such results.

The governor linked the achievement to what he described as sustained and strategic investment in education by his administration. He said the state’s focus on qualitative and accessible learning, improved infrastructure and partnerships with private stakeholders was beginning to yield visible dividends.

According to him, the success of the Kwara pupils aligns with the government’s broader vision of using education as a tool for social mobility and long-term development. He added that such international recognition helps inspire other students across the state to aim higher in their academic pursuits.

The Zimbabwe spelling bee brought together young contestants to test their mastery of English vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling in multiple elimination rounds. Nigeria’s silver-medal finish, driven in part by the Kwara pupils’ performance, has been widely hailed as a boost to the country’s image in academic competitions.