Ibadan: MTN mPulse Bee has shortlisted seven finalists from the Ibadan region for its 2025 edition of the Spelling Bee grand finale, advancing them to the next stage of the nationwide competition, which aims to promote digital literacy and academic excellence among students.
The seven finalists emerged on Saturday during the Ibadan Regional Finals, where 20 contestants were shortlisted from over 500 pupils screened across the Southwest states of Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, and Edo.
MTN General Manager, Consumer Segment, Mr Idowu Adesokan, described the event as a “contest of champions,” noting that the brilliance and resilience of participants pushed the competition through five intense rounds before the regional representatives were selected.
He said the national winner of the 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee would serve as “MTN CEO for a Day,” a role that comes with over N40 million worth of benefits.
The benefits also include chairing an executive committee meeting and performing select CEO-level functions.
“The overall national champion will receive a N5 million educational grant, a brand-new laptop and smartphone, and the prestigious opportunity to serve as MTN CEO for a day.
“This is not ceremonial; the winner chairs our executive committee meeting and grants approvals,” he said.
Adesokan added that MTN had upgraded the prizes for the seventh edition, including N500,000 for the teacher of the national champion. In contrast, the champion’s school would receive 10 laptops, 10 routers and a N10 million project grant.
Explaining this further, MTN Senior Manager for the Youths and Teens Segment, Mr Temilolu Salako, said the mPulse initiative is part of MTN’s commitment to improving literacy and supporting students and schools through its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.
He confirmed that the national grand finale will be held on Nov. 29 in Lagos, featuring finalists from Abuja, Enugu and other regions.
Representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, a director from the ministry, Mr Muminni Busari, stated that the state remains committed to academic excellence and grooming future leaders.
He commended MTN for sustaining a competition that has shaped young minds over the past seven years.
One of the Ibadan regional winners, Miss Goodness Ewenike, said her goal is to emerge as the overall national champion and experience leading MTN as CEO for a day.
She added that the competition had broadened her academic exposure as she studied widely to progress through the rounds.
Another finalist, Master Shilton Temojo, thanked MTN for the platform to showcase his abilities and encouraged other students to take advantage of similar opportunities.
