The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has awarded ₦2 million each to five students who recently brought international recognition to the state by winning a global debate competition and retaining Nigeria’s national debate title.

The students were honoured during a reception held at the Government House in Ilorin after their remarkable achievements at the International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship in Malaysia and the Nigerian Presidential School Debate held in Lagos.

The winning students are Lawal Maryam Kikeloma, Jatto Rahmatullah Onize, Paul Unity, Fatimah AbdulRahman Thaini, and Priscilla Aremu Temilayo. The team represented Nigeria as national champions and impressed judges with their debating skills and academic excellence.

According to the governor, the students demonstrated exceptional dedication and served as worthy ambassadors of both Kwara State and Nigeria on the international stage.

“You not only represented Nigeria proudly in Malaysia, but you also successfully retained the Presidential School Debate trophy. We are extremely proud of your accomplishments,” the governor said during the ceremony.

Tutors Also Recognised for Mentorship

The tutors who coached the students were also rewarded with ₦500,000 each in recognition of their role in preparing the team for both competitions.

The rewards add to the ₦3 million earlier saved for each student by the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) during their participation in the international championship.

Governor AbdulRazaq also praised the students’ parents for instilling discipline and strong values that contributed to their success. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through continued investment in school infrastructure, curriculum development, and support for education workers.

Kwara’s Rising Reputation in Education

Chairman of SUBEB, Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, noted that the Kwara team made history as the first African representatives to win the international debate championship. In addition to the overall victory, the students also received recognition as the Best Behaved Team during the competition.

Adaramaja attributed the achievement to consistent government support and the dedication of teachers and education administrators who continue to improve learning standards in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the team, student representative Jatto Rahmatullah Onize thanked the state government, teachers, and parents for providing the support that helped them succeed on the global stage.

Governor AbdulRazaq concluded that the state will continue to reward academic excellence and motivate young learners to compete confidently at national and international levels.

The reception was attended by members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, cabinet officials, local government chairmen, SUBEB staff, tutors, and families of the award-winning students.