Abia State Governor Alex Otti has accepted a money reward of ₦1 million every for 5 college students who represented the state and Nigeria on the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar.
The governor additionally introduced that the Alex Otti Foundation would sponsor the schooling of crew captain Esther Christian, 15, by way of college. Christian misplaced her father when she was 4.
Otti introduced the rewards on Saturday whereas internet hosting the scholars on the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, the place he offered trophies, medals and certificates to the crew in recognition of its efficiency.
“We congratulate all of you on your excellent efficiency. Celebrating excellent achievements is a part of Abia’s id. This is within the DNA of Abia State. We have fun individuals. When you do effectively, we have fun you.
“We will make out there a money reward of ₦1 million every to the 5 of you who represented Abia State and Nigeria on the International Schools Debate Championship, Doha, Qatar, 2026.
“I have also approved your request to participate in the 2027 edition of the competition, because we believe that although considerable progress has been made in the education sector, more work remains to be done.”
Otti additionally accepted ₦1 million for Onyinyechi Okonkwo of Ovom Girls Secondary School, who received the National Essay Competition. Officials who accompanied the controversy crew will obtain ₦750,000 every, whereas Abia Model Basic Junior Secondary School, Abayi Umuocham, Osisioma Ngwa, will obtain ₦1.75 million.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to schooling, saying the state would proceed to put money into infrastructure and develop entry to high quality studying.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, mentioned the scholars’ achievements confirmed that the influence of the state’s funding in schooling was turning into seen. He added that the outcomes had been solely the start of what might be achieved.
The Chairperson of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lydia Onuoha, who led the crew, mentioned the scholars carried out strongly all through the competitors, together with in 5 last rounds that includes impromptu subjects, for which individuals had solely quarter-hour to organize.
According to her, the crew received 4 trophies and 12 medals after competing towards groups from six nations.
“We are happy because our team clinched the Best International School Debate Team, Overall Best Team in the Junior Category, Best Debater and Best Leadership awards. They also ranked among the top ten speakers in the tournament, which featured over 84 teams.”
The President’s Schools Debate Championship Coordinator, Oritu Dare, counseled enhancements within the state’s academic infrastructure, evaluating them favourably with what he had seen below earlier administrations. He mentioned the crew’s victory had additionally created a possibility for Nigeria to take part within the subsequent version of the competitors in Singapore.
Abia State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Unyime Umoette, additionally praised enhancements in public colleges and urged public officeholders to embrace and assist public schooling.
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