Square College, Lekki, has emerged winner of the second regional finals of the “I Beg to Differ” Season 9 debate competition, claiming the N3 million grand prize after a commanding performance in the final stage.
The winning team, Boluwatife Amoo and Oyinyechi Maduagwu, secured a total of 136.5 points, placing them ahead of their closest challengers in a tightly contested event that tested participants across several rounds.
Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege, represented by Oyinkansola Mary Popoola and Hepzibah Oluwajomiloju Olagbaju, finished second with 129 points, earning a N2 million prize.
The finalists debated the motion, “Faith and science cannot co-exist,” with Square College arguing in favour, while Vetland Senior Grammar School took the opposing position. Both teams delivered compelling arguments, but Square College maintained a consistent edge throughout the contest.
Judges’ scorecards showed that Square College led from the opening round and sustained their advantage through the rebuttal and closing stages, reflecting strong reasoning, coherence, and delivery.
A highlight of the event was a special presentation segment themed “My Mother,” where contestants delivered heartfelt speeches in honour of mothers. The segment drew emotional responses from the audience and participants alike.
Vetland Senior Grammar School performed strongly in this round, earning higher scores from the judges, but the margin was not sufficient to overturn Square College’s earlier lead.
With the final scores confirmed, Square College clinched the regional title, while Vetland secured second place. Both schools, alongside Halifield Schools, will advance to the National Debate of Champions scheduled for August 2026, where they will compete against top teams from Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Kano.
