By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Basic Education Debate Team will represent Nigeria at the International Debate Championships in Malaysia in November, with the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, urging the students to aim for excellence.
Ogugua gave the charge on Oct. 27 when the five member team, accompanied by coaches and organisers, visited him at the State Secretariat Complex, Awka, ahead of the competition.
He urged the students to remain focused, confident and disciplined, while demonstrating critical thinking and effective communication throughout the championship.
The commissioner said the team’s participation reflected the state government’s commitment to preparing children for global opportunities.
He encouraged the students to read widely, reason critically and demonstrate the intellectual abilities of Nigerian learners. He expressed confidence in their ability to perform creditably and make the country proud.
Ogugua said their participation could also inspire other students to pursue academic excellence and explore opportunities beyond their immediate environment.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Justina Chinyere Anyadiegwu, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating an enabling environment for basic education in the state.
Anyadiegwu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete creditably at the international level and commended the coaches for their efforts in preparing the students.
She urged the team members to represent Anambra and Nigeria with pride.
The team comprises Nwenwe Okwuchukwu of Community Secondary School, Obosi; Okechukwu Angel of Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umudiji; Ozoude Jude of St. Michael’s Model Comprehensive Grammar School, Nimo; Ezedigbo Cyril of Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School, Adazi Nnukwu; and Ibeakaku Chikamso of Capital City Secondary School, Awka.
The team previously recorded 3-0 victories over debate teams from Lagos and Kaduna states and competed against defending champion Kwara State.
The experience is expected to help prepare the students for the international competition.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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