Kwara State has clinched its first-ever national title at the 2025 President’s Senior School Debate Competition, emerging as the overall winner in what is being described as a landmark moment for education in the state.
The 26th edition of the prestigious contest was held from June 24 to 27 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, drawing participation from the best-performing secondary schools across Nigeria. Kwara’s team secured the crown after outshining other states in successive rounds, including a dramatic final face-off that saw them edge out Rivers State.
Receiving the victorious students at his office in Ilorin on Friday, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, hailed the win as a testament to the ongoing transformation of the education sector under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“This achievement did not happen by chance,” Olohungbebe said. “It is the direct result of the state government’s renewed commitment to educational reforms, teacher motivation, and student development. We are proud of what our students have achieved.”
The commissioner praised the team’s coaches, principals, and the education ministry’s leadership for their behind-the-scenes efforts. “This is a collective success story,” he added. “From the resilience of the teachers to the dedication of the students, everyone played a part in making this victory possible.”
The winning debate team was led by teacher Babatunde Amina Idowu, and included:
- Moshood Kamaldeen (Government Secondary School, Ilorin)
- AbdulAzeez Aishat (Nawarudeen Secondary School, Offa)
- AbdulAzeez Mutasir (St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin)
- Usman Maryam Enyo (Ilorin Grammar School, Ilorin)
Dr. Olohungbebe described the students as worthy ambassadors of the state and urged them to keep the momentum going, stressing that their success is an inspiration to others.
The victory not only marks a first for Kwara at the national debate but also reflects the fruits of sustained investments in public education by the AbdulRazaq administration.
