The commissioner for basic and secondary education, 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, Mr Alli-Balogun said the platform broadened students’ exposure and  encouraged intellectual engagement.

He also said it fostered healthy competition and strengthened students’ leadership potential.

Students from 19 junior and senior secondary schools across the six education districts of Lagos participated in the competition organised by DebateChamps and the Harvard Debate Council (U.S.).

The competition was convened by Bukunmi Babatunde and Halimat Usman. Mr 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 skills, and prepared you for leadership. Keep participating, keep speaking; the future belongs to you,” he said.

Wale Olaoye, chaperone to Lagos State Model Senior College, Meiran, described the competition as innovative, saying its impromptu format sharpened students’ creativity and critical thinking.

“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,” Mr Olaoye said.

Mr Olaoye, however, called for greater transparency by publishing the scoring criteria and rubrics. He also advocated stricter enforcement of prohibitions on prohibited materials to sustain fairness, integrity and confidence.

Ms Babatunde said the co-conveners were amazed at how easily the participants adapted to the new debate format. She also said the students’ overall performance 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,” Ms Babatunde said.

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.

(NAN)