Fourteen-year-old Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, gained national recognition after helping Team Nigeria win gold in the Middle School category at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China, with an outstanding performance.
Maryam Yusuf, a 14-year-old student of Ar-Raheem International College in Ilorin, Kwara State, has become one of Nigeria’s newest academic stars after helping Team Nigeria secure the Gold Award in the Middle School category at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China.
The young spelling champion impressed judges and audiences with her confidence, accuracy, and exceptional command of English spelling throughout the competition. Her performance played a significant role in Nigeria’s victory against other participating countries, bringing pride to her school and the nation.
Maryam was one of the key members of Team Nigeria during the championship and delivered an outstanding performance in the final rounds. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and spell difficult words correctly contributed greatly to the team’s success.
One of the highlights of her performance came during the speed round, where she correctly spelled 17 out of 20 words in just one minute. The impressive feat earned her recognition as one of the standout contestants at the global event.
Despite being a Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) student, Maryam competed in the senior category, demonstrating academic abilities beyond her age. Her willingness to challenge herself against older contestants showcased her determination and confidence.
Before her success in China, Maryam had already represented Nigeria at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her participation in both continental and global competitions reflects her consistency and growing reputation as an exceptional young scholar.
Maryam, who attends Ar-Raheem International College in Ilorin, has been widely praised for her discipline, commitment to learning, and academic excellence. She is also known for wearing a niqab, a personal expression that has become part of her identity while excelling on the international stage.
Her remarkable achievement has made her a role model for many young Nigerians, especially girls who aspire to succeed academically. Many have described her success as proof that hard work, dedication, and proper preparation can open doors to global opportunities.
Quick Facts About Maryam Yusuf
- She is 14 years old.
- She is a student of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin.
- She represented Nigeria at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China.
- She helped Team Nigeria win the Gold Award in the Middle School category.
- She played a vital role in the final stages of the competition.
- She previously represented Nigeria at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe.
- She competed in the senior category despite being in JSS 3.
- She correctly spelled 17 out of 20 words in one minute during the speed round.
- She is widely recognised for her discipline, academic excellence, and outstanding spelling ability.
- She has become an inspiration to young students across Nigeria through her international success.
READ ALSO: uniabuja-student-wins-boomplay-competition
SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, THE NATION
Stories You Shouldn't Have Missed:
- 18-year-old homeless boy becomes school’s best student, gains admission to US university
- Woman Who Began Law School at 47 Builds Successful All-Women Law Firm
- FUOYE Lecturers Emerge Among World’s Top Scientists
- Realtor Awards Land Plots to Top Graduates at UNILORIN Convocation
- Nigerian Graduate With 2.2 CGPA Defies Odds in Germany Earns MSc, MBA & PhD in Just 10 Years
- Emotional Video Shows Lady Appreciating Her Dad for Sponsoring Her Education
- Remarkable Nigerian Woman Shatters 36-Year Record at UNIUYO with First-Class Law Degree, Secures Full Scholarship to Oxford University
Join Our 500,000+ Community:
Thank you so much for reading. We will appreciate it if you share this with your loved ones.