Five students from Kwara State have delivered an outstanding academic performance that has placed both their state and Nigeria in the global spotlight after emerging winners of the International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship in Malaysia.
The young debaters, namely, Lawal Maryam Kikeloma, Jatto Rahmatullah Onize, Paul Unity, Fatimah AbdulRahman Thaini, and Priscilla Aremu Temilayo, first distinguished themselves as Nigeria’s national champions, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the international competition.
In Malaysia, the Kwara team produced an exceptional performance, becoming the first African representatives to win the International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship. Their brilliance was further recognised when they were also awarded the honour of Best Behaved Team during the event.
The team’s remarkable run did not stop on the global stage. Upon returning home, the students continued their dominance by retaining the Nigerian Presidential School Debate trophy in Lagos, reaffirming their status as the country’s leading junior debaters.
Their achievement drew praise from across Kwara State, culminating in a special reception held at the Government House in Ilorin, where Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq celebrated the students for bringing pride to both the state and Nigeria.
“You not only succeeded in representing Nigeria in Malaysia, but you also returned to retain the trophy for the Presidential School Debate,” the governor said while addressing the gathering. “You represented us well and have proven yourselves worthy ambassadors of Kwara State and Nigeria.”
As part of the state’s recognition of their accomplishment, each of the five students received a cash reward of N2 million from the governor.
Their tutors were also honoured with N500,000 each, acknowledging the mentorship and preparation that helped the team excel at both national and international levels.
The governor’s reward comes in addition to the N3 million earlier saved for each student by the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board during the team’s trip to Malaysia, underscoring the level of institutional support behind their journey.
Speaking at the event, SUBEB Chairman, Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, credited the students’ success to the commitment of teachers and administrators, as well as the sustained support of the state government.
“We are grateful for the enabling environment created by the government, which makes achievements like this possible,” he said.
Governor AbdulRazaq also commended the parents of the students, noting that the values and discipline instilled at home played an important role in shaping the young champions.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued investment in education, pointing to efforts aimed at improving school infrastructure, strengthening curricula, and supporting civil servants who drive the education system.
“Yes, a lot of work still needs to be done,” the governor said, “but we will continue to ensure that standards improve year after year.”
Reflecting on the progress recorded in the sector, he noted that such a milestone would have been difficult to imagine in the past.
“Six years ago, achievements like this would have been unimaginable because of challenges such as unpaid salaries. Today, we are seeing the results of consistent investment in education,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Jatto Rahmatullah Onize expressed gratitude to the governor, SUBEB officials, tutors, and their parents for the support system that helped them succeed.
“We thank Governor AbdulRazaq for creating a conducive learning environment that allowed us to thrive and become global champions,” she said.
The reception was attended by members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, cabinet officials, local government chairmen from Offa, Ilorin South, and Ilorin East, SUBEB staff, coaches, and family members of the students.
The moment of glory symbolised more than just the celebration of five outstanding students as it also reflected Kwara’s growing educational ambition and Nigeria’s potential to produce world-class young thinkers capable of competing and winning on the global stage.
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