The 14th edition of the Vision Africa Inter-School Debate Competition was held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, with retired Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika as chairman of the grand finale. He described debating competitions as a vital platform for intellectual development among students.
Commendations for the Initiative
Ihejirika commended Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, founder and president of Vision Africa, for sustaining the initiative, noting that it promotes academic excellence and enhances critical thinking abilities of students across the state. In his remarks, Archbishop Onuoha stressed the importance of a secure learning environment as a foundation for sustainable educational development and future leadership. He announced sponsorship of WAEC registration fees for the six most outstanding students from the competition, emphasizing that education remains a critical investment for governments, organizations, and individuals.
Debate Topic and Government Support
The contest, organized by Vision Africa Radio in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, featured the topic: "Is the Grading System an Accurate Measure of a Student's Intelligence?" Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, wife of the Abia State Deputy Governor, represented the Governor's wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti. She commended the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Vision Africa as a model for effective public-private partnership in education. She reaffirmed the state government's commitment to transforming education through improved learning outcomes, infrastructure development, and policies that promote academic excellence. She noted that intellectual competitions like debates provide students opportunities to research, think critically, build confidence, and develop communication skills, adding that education should go beyond examinations to nurture curiosity, creativity, character, and leadership.
Winners and Reactions
At the end of the keenly contested debate, Gradiel International School, Umuahia, emerged overall winner with 406 points. University Demonstration School, Umuahia, came second with 398 points, while Victorious Covenant High School, Aba, placed third. Former WAEC Director Mr. Kester Ekekwe commended the participating schools and Archbishop Onuoha for consistently using the platform to promote academic excellence and critical thinking. Participating students, through their chief debaters, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the competition as valuable for intellectual exposure, leadership development, and knowledge acquisition. They appreciated Vision Africa Radio and Archbishop Onuoha for sustaining the annual programme, which inspires academic excellence and healthy intellectual competition. The event was attended by school administrators, government officials, education stakeholders, parents and guardians, and local and international partners of Vision Africa Radio, who commended the initiative's sustained impact on students' intellectual development.
