Nigeria Beats 8 Nations to Win International Schools Debate Championship
Students from public schools in Abia State, representing Nigeria, have emerged as the overall champions of the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship held in Doha, Qatar.
The Nigerian team, made up entirely of students from Abia public schools, secured four major trophies and 12 laurels after competing against teams from several countries.
The championship, coordinated by the Vocara Institute and hosted by the QatarDebate Centre at Georgetown University, Doha, featured more than 84 groups from eight countries, including Nigeria, Jordan, India, Qatar, the Philippines and Kenya.
Team Nigeria, presented by Presidential School Debate Nigeria, was led by the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Amb. Lydia Onuoha, alongside representatives of the Presidency and Presidential School Debate Nigeria.
The student team comprised Christian Chinweotitom Esther, Chikodi Maureen, Akamnonu Franklin, Ifeanyichukwu Prisca and Simon Divine.
The students successfully progressed through the preliminary rounds, defeating teams from the Philippines, Jordan, India and Qatar before advancing to the final stage.
At the end of the competition, Team Nigeria won the prestigious Best International School Debate Team award, described as the biggest prize of the tournament.
The team also received awards for Overall Best Team – Junior Category, Best Leadership Award and Best Debater Award, alongside 12 additional laurels for outstanding performances.
Reacting to the achievement, the Abia State Government described the victory as a demonstration of the intellectual capacity of students in the state’s public schools.
The state Commissioner for Basic Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, also expressed delight, saying the achievement showed that ongoing efforts to transform the education sector were producing positive results.
The Abia State Government said the victorious students will be hosted and celebrated upon their return to Nigeria.
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