Joyce Onwuka
The Reel Foundation, in partnership with Dolly Children Foundation, has successfully concluded the second edition of the Ultimate Mind Challenge (UMC) 2.0, a vibrant educational competition aimed at nurturing intellectual growth, confidence, and academic excellence among primary school pupils.
The event featured keenly contested sessions in Spelling Bee, Scrabble, and Chess, bringing together pupils from various schools who demonstrated exceptional talent, discipline, and cognitive ability.
Speaking at the event, Founder/Executive Director, REEL Foundation, Mrs. Ajoke Omoware Adeola emphasized the importance of early educational engagement in shaping future leaders.
“The Ultimate Mind Challenge is more than a competition; it is a platform that nurtures curiosity, builds confidence, and inspires children to believe in their intellectual capacity. We are proud to support an initiative that is shaping the future of education in such a meaningful way,” she said.
The Executive Director of Dolly Children Foundation, Adedolapo Osuntuyi, also described the initiative as a reflection of the Foundation’s commitment to child development.
“Every child who participated today has shown us that the future is bright. At Dolly Children Foundation, we remain committed to creating opportunities that help children discover their potential and excel beyond limitations,” she stated.
In the Spelling Bee category, outstanding performances were recorded across both divisions. In the Basic 4 category, Wayas Jewel of King’s Heart School emerged first, followed by Kehinde Feranmi of Perlemont Schools in second place, and Samira Gabriel of Little Jewels School in third position. In the Basic 5/6 category, Olukotun Hameedat of Markfavour School secured first place, while Olatunde Esther of NESGEL Schools and Ajayi Racheal of Bright Kid Academy placed second and third, respectively.
The Scrabble competition saw Keith Silas of Marshall International Academy claim first place, with Abai Comforter of King’s Heart School and Adeshola Joshua of Delightsome Beulah Generation School finishing in second and third positions, respectively. In the Chess category, Mutiulahi Ibrahim of Dolly Stars School emerged champion, followed by Samuel Richard of Delightsome Beulah Generation School in second place and Adewunmi Mazeed of Marshall International Academy in third.
Stakeholders and education authorities present at the event commended the initiative for its impact on learners and the wider education community.
Mr. Benjamin A. Sorunke of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology described the programme as a “nurturing and transformative environment for young
learners.” Mrs. Ogunmodede of the Ministry of Education, Abeokuta, noted the personal value of the experience, stating, “I left the programme having learned new words and spellings, it was enriching.” Meanwhile, a Makogi community representative and key community stakeholders praised the initiative’s inclusivity, highlighting how it brought together pupils from both public and private schools while promoting educational equity and community connection.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the Ultimate Mind Challenge in future editions, with a continued focus on developing literacy, leadership, and intellectual capacity among children.