Students of public Junior Secondary Schools from Kwara, Katsina and Benue states on Friday presented the trophies they won for Nigeria in three foreign debate competitions held respectively in Indonesia, Singapore and Dubai to the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu.

Usman Mohammad, the Chairman, National Advisory Board of President’s School Debate of Nigeria led the students to present the trophies to the Minister.

Receiving the trophies, Sununu commended the debate club for fostering excellent communication and critical thinking, among students.

He also hailed the giant stride and resilience of the students while urging them to sustain the tempo.

“I congratulate the champions for the feats. It is always easier to win but the winning must be sustained.

“We will continue to support you throughout the administration of President Bola Tinubu which has demonstrated strong commitment to education sector.

“The eight point agenda is intended to priortise education with knowledge, character and skills,” he said.

The Minister advised the convener of the schools debate competition to come up with debatable topic on ways to help address the out-of-school children issues in the country.

He called on the students to serve as role models for the numerous out-of-school children, so that they could see the need to return to school.

Earlier, Mohammad, commended state governors for sponsoring the students to leave the shores of the country for the competitions.

The board chairman also pleaded with well meaning Nigerians and private sectors to also come in and identify students for sponsorship to such competitions.

Mr Dare Oritu, National Coordinator and President, School Debate, said the competition which started over 20 years ago had brought glory to the country.

He appreciated state governors for the sponsorships and rewards accorded the students both in cash and in landed properties noting that it would make them to do well in upcoming competitions.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Ene Aduba, a student of UBE Girls Junior Secondary School, Benue state, thanked the ministry for the platform created to showcase their talents among nations of the world.

“My experience is a lifetime one, because I enjoyed every bit of the debate. I was made to compete with the whites, and that is what I will never forget in a hurry.

“I have traveled across oceans and seas and I am very grateful for this.

“My motivation was my Daddy, because while preparing for the debate, I lost him, and I resolved to work hard to make him proud,” she said .

The teams from the three states top the debate competitions, held respectively, in Indonesia, Singapore and United Arab Emirate between January and May 2024.

(NAN)