Nigeria has emerged champion of the 2025 International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship held in Malaysia, defeating 15 other countries to clinch the global title.
The winning team, drawn entirely from public secondary schools in Kwara State was led by the Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), Prof. AbdulRaheem Adaramaja.
The international contest featured young debaters from China, Japan, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Pakistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Tajikistan, Cambodia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Nigeria.
Despite stiff competition from some of the world’s strongest educational systems, the Nigerian delegation sustained an impressive performance throughout the championship, securing the country’s first-place position.
Stakeholders say the victory reflects the ongoing reforms and investment in public education by the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose administration has prioritised access to quality learning and capacity development for young people.
Education advocates have also described the win as a morale boost for public school students nationwide, especially at a time when debates and literacy programmes are being promoted to strengthen critical thinking and communication among learners.
The triumph has continued to spark celebrations among parents, educators and policymakers across the country, with many commending the students’ determination and the team’s disciplined preparation.
Congratulations continue to pour in for Team Nigeria and the young champions from Kwara State whose performance has placed the nation on the global debate map once again.
