Abia State Governor Alex Otti has authorised a money reward of ₦1 million every for 5 college students who represented the state and Nigeria on the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar.
The governor additionally introduced that the Alex Otti Foundation would sponsor the schooling of staff captain Esther Christian, 15, by college. Christian misplaced her father when she was 4.
Otti introduced the rewards on Saturday whereas internet hosting the scholars on the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, the place he offered trophies, medals and certificates to the staff in recognition of its efficiency.
“We congratulate all of you on your excellent efficiency. Celebrating excellent achievements is a part of Abia’s identification. This is within the DNA of Abia State. We have fun folks. When you do properly, we have fun you.
“We will make obtainable a money present of ₦1 million every to the 5 of you who represented Abia State and Nigeria on the International Schools Debate Championship, Doha, Qatar, 2026.
“I have also approved your request to participate in the 2027 edition of the competition, because we believe that although considerable progress has been made in the education sector, more work remains to be done.”
Otti additionally authorised ₦1 million for Onyinyechi Okonkwo of Ovom Girls Secondary School, who gained the National Essay Competition. Officials who accompanied the talk staff will obtain ₦750,000 every, whereas Abia Model Basic Junior Secondary School, Abayi Umuocham, Osisioma Ngwa, will obtain ₦1.75 million.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to schooling, saying the state would proceed to spend money on infrastructure and broaden entry to high quality studying.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, mentioned the scholars’ achievements confirmed that the impression of the state’s funding in schooling was changing into seen. He added that the outcomes have been solely the start of what may very well be achieved.
The Chairperson of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lydia Onuoha, who led the staff, mentioned the scholars carried out strongly all through the competitors, together with in 5 ultimate rounds that includes impromptu matters, for which members had solely quarter-hour to organize.
According to her, the staff gained 4 trophies and 12 medals after competing towards groups from six nations.
“We are happy because our team clinched the Best International School Debate Team, Overall Best Team in the Junior Category, Best Debater and Best Leadership awards. They also ranked among the top ten speakers in the tournament, which featured over 84 teams.”
The President’s Schools Debate Championship Coordinator, Oritu Dare, recommended enhancements within the state’s academic infrastructure, evaluating them favourably with what he had seen below earlier administrations. He mentioned the staff’s victory had additionally created a chance for Nigeria to take part within the subsequent version of the competitors in Singapore.
Abia State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Unyime Umoette, additionally praised enhancements in public faculties and urged public officeholders to embrace and help public schooling.
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