The John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy Hall in Benin City came alive as the grand finale of the Dr Osahon Enabulele Foundation Inter-School Debate Competition drew students, educators and families into a charged arena of sharp arguments and confident delivery. The event featured ten schools from the three senatorial districts and held the audience in steady attention from the opening presentations to the closing announcements.
Edo South produced Idia College, St Maria Goretti College, St Michael’s College and Eghosa Anglican Grammar School. From Edo North came Fugar Mixed Secondary School, Uzebba Grammar School and Holy Trinity Grammar School, while Edo Central was represented by Annunciation Catholic College Irrua, Igueben Grammar School and Timzy International Educational Centre. Each team delivered tightly framed arguments that reflected weeks of preparation and a strong command of their topics.
Eghosa Grammar School secured the top position after a closely contested final. Idia College earned second place, followed by Annunciation Catholic College in third. The winning team received a one-million-naira cash prize and a trophy, while all participating schools were recognised with certificates, books and other items. Outstanding speakers were rewarded with cash prizes ranging from one hundred to two hundred thousand naira.
The competition, in its maiden edition, began on May 30 at the Egor Local Government Secretariat and moved across all three senatorial districts. It is the flagship project of the Dr Osahon Enabulele Foundation, led by Dr Enabulele, a former president of both the World Medical Association and the Commonwealth Medical Association.
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In his remarks, Dr Enabulele explained that the debate series was created as a direct response to the growing disinterest in education among young people, fuelled by poor role models and a culture that often rewards questionable success. He warned that many students are becoming discouraged from intellectual effort and stressed that the foundation is determined to challenge this mindset.
He said the initiative is designed to build essential soft skills, strengthen academic discipline, promote civic engagement and improve research and public speaking abilities. He noted that the competition has already engaged hundreds of students across Edo State and has become a strong platform for showcasing academic talent.
Despite challenges that included limited government involvement and weak institutional support for many participating schools, Dr Enabulele reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to sustaining the programme. Plans are underway to expand the contest into a national championship that would set a new benchmark for youth development and academic excellence.
