Telecommunications company MTN Nigeria has delivered a major digital upgrade to St Lawrence Metropolitan College following the emergence of one of its students as winner of the 2025 mPulse Spelling Bee Competition. The company also awarded a ₦5 million education grant to the champion, Oreoluwa Alayande.
The presentation took place in Ado Ekiti during a ceremony attended by government officials, family members, teachers and students. MTN said the intervention recognises both the student’s achievement and the institution that supported her academic development.
Oreoluwa, a 14-year-old Senior Secondary School student, won the national competition after competing against thousands of participants from across the country.
Speaking at the event, MTN’s Sales and Trade Development Manager in Ekiti, Chinyere Ikechi, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to promoting education and rewarding excellence. She noted that the project was designed to strengthen the school’s learning infrastructure.
The ₦10 million intervention includes installation of 10 air conditioners in the computer laboratory, a 30kW lithium inverter battery system, 10 laptops, 10 broadband devices and additional educational materials.
Oreoluwa also received a ₦5 million education grant to support her studies through secondary and tertiary levels. MTN further announced that she will serve as “CEO for a Day” and act as the Face of mPulse for one year.
Her coach, Gbenga Julius, was presented with a ₦500,000 cash reward in recognition of his mentorship and contribution to her success.
In her remarks, Oreoluwa expressed appreciation to MTN for creating opportunities that encourage learning and academic competition among students. She said the recognition would motivate more young people to pursue excellence.
She described the award as a proud moment for her school, which produced two finalists in the competition, and acknowledged the support of her teachers and parents.
The school’s proprietor, Lawrence Oluwafemi, commended MTN for investing in education and pledged to sustain academic standards. He announced a full tuition scholarship for Oreoluwa until she completes her studies at the school.
School management stated that the new power and ICT facilities would enhance digital learning and modern teaching methods.
Oreoluwa’s mother, Mrs Justinah Alayande, thanked MTN for supporting youth development and described the initiative as impactful for families and the wider community.
Another finalist from the school, Goodness Ewenike, said the competition created a platform for students to demonstrate their abilities and pursue academic distinction.
