Adekunbi Ero
Students from two public secondary schools in Edo State have made Nigeria proud, emerging champions at the Nigeria-Indonesia Bilateral International Debate Competition, defeating host country in all four debate rounds held in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital.
The Edo-led Nigerian team, comprising Miss Victoria Nwaezeapu of Urora Secondary School and Master Precious Thomas of Western Boys High School, Ikpoba Hill, secured a clean 4-0 victory against students from Santa Ursula Junior High School and SMP Lab School Junior High School in Indonesia.
The competition, which featured debates on key global issues, including artificial intelligence in basic education, free university education, and restrictions on public donations to political office holders and their families, showcased the intellectual ability and confidence of the Nigerian students.
The team was led to Indonesia by the Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Omonzane Sonia Ebanehita, who described the achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria and Edo State.
Speaking during a welcome ceremony for Team Edo at the Benin Airport on Monday, June 15, 2026, Omonzane said the victory reflected the state’s investment in quality education, infrastructure development, teacher recruitment, promotions, and improved welfare.
She said, “Today, we are celebrating knowledge, confidence and the power of education. When this prestigious selection came to Edo State, I was not frightened because I knew it was based on merit and competence because of what His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is doing in education.”
According to Omonzane, the students’ performance attracted admiration in Indonesia, describing their success as a product of hard work, teamwork, and the administration’s commitment to providing Edo children with a safe and conducive learning environment.
The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, also congratulated the students, saying their achievement demonstrated the positive impact of Governor Okpebholo’s investment in education and youth development.
While assuring Edo students that more opportunities and achievements awaited them, Otamere commended the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders for supporting the growth of education in the state.
The captain of Team Edo, Master Precious Thomas, thanked Governor Okpebholo for creating opportunities for students to participate in international competitions.
Thomas encouraged fellow students to remain committed to education, saying success should be determined by hard work, dedication, and discipline rather than background.
Also present at the welcome ceremony were the Chairman of the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Dr. Rita Otibho Erewele, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
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