Benin City, Edo State – Students from two public secondary schools in Edo State have led Nigeria to a resounding victory at the Nigeria-Indonesia Bilateral International Debate Competition, defeating their Indonesian counterparts in all four debate rounds held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Edo-led Nigerian team, made up of Miss Victoria Nwaezeapu of Urora Secondary School and Master Precious Thomas of Western Boys High School, Ikpoba Hill, recorded a clean 4-0 sweep against students from Santa Ursula Junior High School and SMP Lab School Junior High School of Indonesia.
The competition featured debates on critical global issues, including the use of artificial intelligence in basic education, free university education, and restrictions on public donations to political office holders and their families.
Leading the delegation to Indonesia was the Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Omonzane Sonia Ebanehita, who described the achievement as a proud moment for both Edo State and Nigeria.
Speaking during a reception organised for the students at Benin Airport on Monday, Hon. Omonzane said the victory reflected the Edo State Government’s commitment to improving education through investments in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, staff welfare, and overall learning conditions.
“Today, we celebrate knowledge, confidence, and the transformative power of education. When the opportunity for this prestigious competition came to Edo State, I had no doubts because I knew our selection was based on merit and competence, supported by the ongoing educational reforms of Governor Monday Okpebholo,” she said.
She noted that the students’ outstanding performance earned admiration from participants and officials in Indonesia, adding that their success was the result of hard work, teamwork, and a conducive learning environment created by the state government.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Education, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, congratulated the students for bringing honour to the state and the country.
He said the achievement underscored the positive impact of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s investments in education and youth development, assuring students across the state that more opportunities would be created to help them excel.
Captain of Team Edo, Master Precious Thomas, expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for providing students with opportunities to participate in international competitions.
He urged fellow students to remain focused on their studies, stressing that success is determined by hard work, discipline, and dedication rather than one’s background.
The welcome ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Dr. Rita Otibho Erewele, alongside senior officials of the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in the education sector.
The victory further highlights Edo State’s growing reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to nurturing globally competitive students.
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