MTN Nigeria has upgraded the digital infrastructure of St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, following the victory of one of its students in the 2025 mPulse Spelling Bee Competition.
The beneficiary, Oreoluwa Alayande, a 14-year-old Senior Secondary School Two student, emerged winner of the national competition after defeating thousands of contestants from across the country.
Speaking during a presentation ceremony in Ado Ekiti, the MTN Sales and Trade Development Manager for Ekiti, Chinyere Ikechi, said the intervention was part of the company’s commitment to rewarding excellence and investing in institutions that nurture young talents. According to her, the initiative was aimed not only at celebrating the student’s achievement but also at supporting the school that contributed to her academic success.
As part of the intervention, MTN donated a N10m project to the school. The items include 10 newly installed air conditioners for the computer laboratory, a 30kW lithium inverter battery system, 10 brand new laptops, and 10 broadband devices, alongside other educational materials. Alayande was also formally presented with a N5m educational grant certificate, which will be managed to support her secondary and tertiary education.
Ikechi further announced that the student would be honoured with the opportunity to serve as a one-day Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria.
“We look forward to celebrating you again next week as you step into the role of MTN CEO for a Day and continue your journey as the Face of mPulse for the next one year,” she said.
In addition, the student’s coach, Gbenga Julius, received a N500,000 cash reward in recognition of his mentorship and contribution to the student’s success. Ikechi said the initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to supporting education and recognising educators who help nurture young talents.
“We are gathered here because St. Lawrence Metropolitan College made history. From this great school emerged the winner of the 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition,” she said.
“Oreoluwa represented not just this school, but the entire Ekiti State with distinction, confidence and intelligence, values we proudly uphold in MTN.”
She added that the student’s achievement had brought honour to her family, school and state while inspiring young learners across the country.
Speaking at the event, Alayande expressed appreciation to MTN for creating a platform that encourages students to improve their academic skills.
“I want to thank MTN for creating the wonderful platform that helps young students like us develop our vocabulary, confidence and love of learning,” she said.
“I hope that this award inspires many other young students to study harder, aim higher and never be afraid to compete.”
She also thanked her school and coach for their support and guidance throughout the competition.
“Your commitment, discipline and unique way of guiding students have not just shaped me but many others,” she said.
The proprietor of the school, Lawrence Oluwafemi, commended MTN for its investment in education and intellectual development.
He described the gesture as a significant boost for the school and announced a scholarship covering Alayande’s tuition fees until the completion of her studies at the institution.
“We are happy to partner with MTN. It is our good fortune today that MTN has reached us with these benefits,” he said.
The school management noted that the new inverter system and ICT tools would significantly improve teaching and learning by enabling students to engage with digital learning platforms beyond traditional textbooks.
Alayande’s mother, Justinah Alayande, also thanked MTN for supporting young talents and contributing to the future of the country.
“I want to thank MTN for everything they have done, for the gifts, the cash and the opportunities given to my daughter,” she said.
Another student from the school who reached the grand finale of the competition, Goodness Ewenike, described the contest as an opportunity for young students to showcase their talents.
“This competition is an eye-opener to excellence; it enables emerging bright students to showcase their God-given talents,” she said.
