The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, has applauded the maiden Lagos Schools DebateChamps Competition, saying that it showcased knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills.
At the grand finale of the three-day competition, Alli-Balogun said the platform broadened students’ exposure and encouraged intellectual engagement.
He said it also fostered a healthy competition and strengthened students’ leadership potential.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that students from 19 junior and senior secondary from the six education districts of Lagos State participated at the competition organized by DebateChamps and Harvard Debate Council (U.S.)
The competition was convened by Miss Bukunmi Babatunde and Miss Halimat Usman.
Alli-Balogun commended the participants for demonstrating exceptional talents, confidence and analytical abilities.
He said that the competition reflected years of nurturing, mentorship and academic excellence across schools.
“The competition has enriched your academic journey, strengthened your confidence, sharpened your communication skill and prepared you for leadership.
“Keep participating, keep speaking; the future belongs to you,” he said.
Mr Wale Olaoye, Chaperone to Lagos State Model Senior College, Meiran, described the competition as innovative, saying that its impromptu format sharpened students’ creativity and thinking abilities.
“The shift from prepared topics to impromptu debates challenged students to think quickly, build spontaneous arguments and develop skills essential for global competitiveness and academic excellence,” Olaoye said.
He, however, called for greater transparency by publishing scoring criteria and rubrics.
He also advocated stricter enforcement against prohibited materials to sustain fairness, integrity and confidence.
Earlier, Babatunde said the co-conveners were amazed at how easily the participants adapted to the new debate format.
She also said that the overall performance of the students was remarkable.
“It is evident that there is indeed potential here,” she said.
According to her, the students were given the debate topics half an hour before the preliminary and the elimination stages.
“The students were confident and enthusiastic.
“They were exposed to the Junior World Schools debate format with the aim of introducing a system that encourages problem solving and critical thinking.
“The ability of the students to deliver exceptional speeches on topics they were only presented with 30 minutes before the rounds, demonstrates independent thinking and problem-solving skills,” Babatunde said.
NAN reports that the senior category of the competition was won by Wellspring College, Omole, while Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikeja emerged the first runner-up.
In the junior category, British International School, Victoria Island, won while Grace High School, Gbagada, finished as the first runner-up.
The panel of judges identified 20 outstanding speakers – 10 each from the senior and junior categories.
The organizers rewarded them with medals and cash prizes. (NAN)
