Delta Students Beat U.S., Qatar to Win World Debate Championship

A team of outstanding secondary school students from Delta State, Nigeria, has achieved global recognition after winning the prestigious World School Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar.

The Nigerian team outperformed elite debate teams from Qatar and the State of Chicago, USA, to claim the international title.

The students showcased exceptional skills in public speaking, logical reasoning, and argument structuring, earning praise from judges and global observers.

The championship victory followed their earlier triumph at the Presidential Schools Debate Nigeria, a national competition organized under the Office of the Presidency.

That win earned them the right to represent Nigeria on the world stage.

The winning team, all from Delta State, included:

1. Wisdom Chukwuma (Government College, Ughelli)
2. Otorvo Uyoyou (Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun)
3. Abraham Honour (Okpaka Secondary School, Okpaka)
4. Ekhamateh Splendour (Government Model Secondary School, Asaba)
5. Alika Daniel (Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale)

In the final round, the students secured a hard-fought 2:1 win in the semifinals, then delivered a flawless 3:0 victory in the championship match.

They finished with a decisive 5:1 aggregate score, placing Nigeria at the top of the global debate stage.

Before traveling to Qatar, the students met with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba.

The governor encouraged them and pledged his full support.

“I believe in you. You have what it takes to make Delta and Nigeria proud,” Governor Oborevwori said.

Their victory has sparked celebrations across Delta State and beyond.

Education stakeholders, parents, and civil society leaders praised the students for representing Nigeria with excellence and integrity.

Advocates have pointed to the victory as proof that Nigerian youth possess the talent to compete globally if properly supported.

They also called on the federal government to prioritize public education and expand opportunities for other talented students across the country.

While many hailed the Delta team’s success, critics noted the contrast between their achievement and the neglect of public schools in other regions.

They urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to invest in education that empowers, not just educates.

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