The Enugu State Debate Team has been selected to represent Nigeria at the prestigious World Schools Debate Championship (WSDC) in Panama, scheduled for July 2025.
The nomination follows the team’s outstanding performance at the 2024 Democracy Day National Debate Championship Finals, held in Abuja, where they emerged as overall winners.
In a letter addressed to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and dated November 5, 2024, the Chairman of the National Advisory Board of the Presidential Schools Debate, Nigeria (PSDN), Usman Muhammad, conveyed the decision. He lauded the team’s exceptional performance and emphasized the significance of their achievement.
“This is to congratulate you on the spectacular performance of the Enugu State Debate Team at the recently concluded Inter-Secondary Schools 2024 Democracy Day National Debate Championship Finals in Abuja,” the letter read. Muhammad further highlighted the honor of representing the country on the global stage, describing the WSDC as “the highest international world schools debate congregation for top debaters, globally.”
The winning team comprises four students from Enugu State: Emmanuella Chukwuma (Holy Rosary College, Enugu), Chiamaka Okwuibe (Queen’s School, Enugu), Goodness Chinedu Chiemerie (St. Patrick’s College, Emene), and Chibuikem Ukadike (College of the Immaculate Conception, CIC, Enugu).
The students attributed their success to the unwavering support and investment in education by Governor Mbah’s administration. They noted that prior to this administration, Enugu State had not participated in the National Debate Championship for over a decade due to lack of resources and support.
With this victory, the Enugu State team has not only brought pride to their state but also set a new standard for academic excellence and youth empowerment in Nigeria. The spotlight now shifts to their preparation for the global competition in Panama, where they aim to showcase the intellectual prowess of Nigerian students.
