Kwara Governor rewards international debate champions with ₦2m each

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rewarded the state’s schoolchildren who recently emerged victorious at the International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship in Malaysia with a cash prize of two million naira each (#2,000,000)

The global competition, which concluded in December 2025, featured participants from 16 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Nigeria was represented by pupils from the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), who earned their spot on the international stage after maintaining their status as national debate champions for four consecutive years.

Following their successful outing in Malaysia, the Kwara contingent also participated in the Nigerian Presidential School Debate in Lagos, where they once again secured the top position.
Clearly impressed by these back-to-back triumphs, Governor AbdulRazaq lauded the team for projecting a positive image of both Nigeria and Kwara State. The celebrated debaters include Lawal Maryam Kikeloma, Jatto Rahmatallah Onize, Paul Unity, Fatimah AbdulRahman Thaini, and Priscilla Aremu Temilayo.

In recognition of their excellence, the Governor announced a cash reward of ₦2 million for each student and ₦500,000 for each of their tutors.

These rewards are in addition to the ₦3 million in savings previously secured for each student by KWSUBEB during their Malaysia trip last year.

While congratulating the teachers and parents, Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in the education sector and the welfare of the civil servants who facilitate such successes.

He specifically praised the parents for instilling the values that prepared the children for the global stage.
“You represented us well and you are worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and Kwara State. We are truly proud of your achievements,” the Governor stated. “We will continue to invest heavily in the education sector, focusing on infrastructure, curricula, and support for the civil servants behind this turnaround. We are glad to be at this point; we couldn’t have dreamt of this six years ago when salaries were not even being paid. While much work remains, we will ensure that standards improve year after year.”

The Chairman of KWSUBEB, Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, noted that the Kwara team made history as the first African contingent to win the International Debate Championship.

He added that the students were also honored with the Best Behaved Team award.

Adaramaja attributed these milestones to the relentless support of the state government.

Speaking on behalf of her peers, Jatto Rahmatullah Onize thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for providing a conducive learning environment that allowed them to thrive.

She also expressed gratitude to the KWSUBEB team, their teachers, and their parents for the mentorship and support that led to their remarkable success.