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MHCDI Programme · 2026 Edition
MHCDI Programme · 2026 Edition
The MHCDI Public Schools Spelling Bee is a literacy-driven academic competition that strengthens vocabulary, spelling proficiency, confidence, and public-speaking skills among students in FCT government-owned junior secondary schools.
Many talented public school students rarely get the chance to speak before an audience or show what they can do beyond the classroom. The Spelling Bee gives them a safe, supportive platform to compete on equal footing and be celebrated for academic excellence — regardless of background.
The initiative is delivered in partnership with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), whose representatives serve as judges to ensure fairness and credibility, and it advances SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth).
From classroom rounds to the main stage, every step is built around merit, preparation, and fairness.
Each of the 30 participating schools presents 30 students across JSS 1–3 for preliminary rounds run to an internationally recognised spelling bee format. Only the top three from each school advance.
Qualifying students receive structured vocabulary lists, practice materials, and weekly coaching, capped by a full-day boot camp to build confidence, technique, and public-speaking skills.
The top finalists from all 30 schools meet on one stage in Abuja, judged by a panel of UBEB officials, literacy experts, and educators, with scholarships, tablets, and cash prizes for the winners.
In 2026 the programme expands from 9 to 30 government junior secondary schools across every FCT area council — reaching more students, equipping more teachers, and widening the search for emerging academic talent.
UBEB has formally approved MHCDI to organise the Spelling Bee annually across FCT junior secondary schools from 2026 onward.
The Grand Finale is open to guests. Register below so we can plan seating and send you event updates — then join us to cheer on the finalists.