We successfully hosted the first edition of the Students & Accountability Interschool debate competition. We express our gratitude to our sponsors – Adam & Eve Homeware, Airtel Nigeria, Swift Networks, T&T Associates and BPL.

We also express our thanks to the schools who participated – Greensprings School, Igbobi College and St. Finbarrs College.

The event was held at the Gallery Rotunda Hall at the University of Lagos, Akoka, and was chaired by renowned architect, Mr Theophilus Lawson, whose opening speech included a trip down memory lane, and words of motivation for the students. There was also the fiery and animated speech of the special guest of honour, Prof Ekata Isibor.

There were four speakers from each of the schools, who spoke on the following topics: 

1. When do you become an adult? And what does this imply for your interactions with the outside world?

2.  Which is more important, talent or hard work and why? 

3.  Why do students cheat during examinations and how can this be averted? 

4.  Define negative peer pressure?  Discuss how it affects young people and how can they resist it?

Interestingly, there was only one female student speaker amongst them –  whatever happened to gender equality? 

The students were all fired up and gave good presentations on their respective topics. It was a close margin between Greensprings School and Igbobi College, with Greensprings winning First Place; Igbobi College, Second Place and St. Finbarrs in Third Place.

Mr. Masha David, a JSS2 student of St. Finbarrs College emerged as the best speaker and was given a special prize by the judges.

We are happy about the success of the event and are looking forward to hosting the next edition of the Interschool Debate Competition.