The much-anticipated final of the Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation Debate competition for secondary schools was recently concluded in Benin City, Edo State. The competition – a flagship educational initiative of DOEF, is part of the Foundation’s strategic intervention for education.
The goal of the competition is to foster critical thinking, promote intellectual growth, civic engagement, enhance public speaking & research skills, as well as encourage intellectual discourse among secondary school students in Edo State.
The competition kicked off on 30th May with the debate contest in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) after which the Foundation’s debate train traversed the entire state in the last 172 days, progressing through three levels – Local Government Area (LGA) level, Senatorial district level (Stage 2) and the final stage (Stage 3).Winners from each LGA advanced to their respective senatorial district contests, leading to ten (10) top-ranking schools from the three senatorial districts (Edo South, Edo North, and Edo Central) proceeding to the grand finale tagged Champion of Champions final.
Prior to the state’s grand finale, the competition had successfully reached eighteen (18) LGAs and three (3) senatorial districts of Edo State for the first and second stages; and had featured one hundred and seventy-nine (179) speakers/contestants from fifty-two (52) secondary schools across Edo State.
The grand finale at the John Odigie‑Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) featured intellectual fireworks and educational discourse among students from ten (10) secondary schools across Edo Central, South and North senatorial districts of Edo State.
Among schools that participated at the final event are:
1. Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua.
2. Idia College, Benin City.
3. Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Benin City.
4. Fugar Mixed Secondary School, Fugar.
5. Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabo-gida Ora.
6. Igueben Grammar School, Igueben.
7. St Maria Gorretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City.
8. St Michael’s College, Ikhueniro.
9. Timzy International Education Centre, Ekpoma.
10. Uzebba Grammar School, Uzebba.
The Champion of Champions event was marked with thought-provoking dimensions and superlative arguments, presented for and against the subject of discourse – “In the context of Nigeria’s socio‑economic and developmental realities, do you agree with those who say education is a scam?”
Delivering an address to mark the event, the Director General, Dr. Osahon Enabulele thanked the teachers for bringing out the best in students as evidenced in the quality of presentations seen across the state. He emphasized the worrisome and skewed narrative about education and other social values, adding that the Foundation is poised to collaborate with partners to advance educational development across the state. The panel of judges, composed of seasoned educators, researchers, and experienced professionals, assessed contestants based on specific criteria as students took turns to showcase their cognitive abilities, articulate ideas and justify their positions on the topic of discourse.
After an exhaustive contest, Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, (Egor LGA, Edo South) emerged winner while Idia College (Oredo, Edo South) and Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua (Esan Central & Edo Central) clinched 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
Eghosa Anglican Grammar School was presented with a trophy and a cash prize of N 1 million. Okotie Isabella won the Best Chief Speaker award, while Ogadu Miracle (Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua) and Osagioduwa Igbinovia (Idia College) emerged 2nd and 3rd overall best speaker respectively.
This event brought together students, education stakeholders, partners, policy makers and government representatives across Edo state and special dignitaries including the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu (represented by Abdulkadiri Ikoghode), Sheikh Abdulfatai Enabulele (Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque), Sen. Roland Owie, Hon. Paschal Ugbome, Rosula Foundation, Journalists etc.
The competition has fostered confidence and leadership skills among students, contributing significantly to the robust intellectual exchange, demonstrating the district’s strong academic culture. It highlighted the importance of education as a tool for empowerment, countering negative narratives about its relevance.
Aside showcasing the intellectual capacity of students, the debate competition was a huge success as it reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development, as the sessions culminated in a memorable grand finale that celebrated the power of education and debate.
