N1m up for grab as 25 schools compete in Caleb University’s national debate

Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, has concluded the first stage of the Third Edition of its flagship National Intellectual Development Programme (NIDP) and National Debate Competition, with more than 25 outstanding secondary schools taking part. The competition was marked by a highly competitive intellectual contest that showcased brilliance, eloquence and critical thinking by the students. The University's Multipurpose Hall came alive with excitement as contestants passionately spoke on the  debate topic, "Artificial Intelligence Will Replace Teachers in the Future: A Reality Rather Than a Fallacy." The preliminary stage witnessed an extraordinary display of research, analytical reasoning, confidence and public speaking, keeping judges, teachers, parents and fellow students on the edge of their seats throughout the exercise.   From the opening session to the final debate of the day, the atmosphere remained electrifying as participants demonstrated exceptional intellectual capacity in what has become one of Nigeria's most prestigious secondary school academic competitions. Schools that participated in the first stage included Kingsfield College, Zeekay College, Unique Friends College, Debisland College, Masterhills College, Alpha Choice Schools, Harmony Land College, Sinclair Lewis College, Bencom College, Lagos African Church Grammar School, Oakshire Schools, Bishop Howells Memorial Grammar School and African Church Model College. The rest are Divine Florence Schools, Inspira College, Homat Group of Schools, Dansol High School, Goodline College, Ayogbemi Schools, Effortswill Academy, Barachel Schools, Jane Natt College, Baptist Academy, Jeco College and Ronic Comprehensive School. The National Intellectual Development Programme is one of Caleb University's flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at nurturing future leaders by promoting academic excellence, intellectual engagement, innovation, creativity and healthy competition among secondary school students across Nigeria. Addressing participants, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, commended the schools for their impressive performances and described the competition as a platform deliberately designed to raise a generation of young Nigerians equipped to provide innovative solutions to contemporary global challenges. "The National Intellectual Development Programme is far more than a debate competition. It is an investment in the future of our nation. At Caleb University, we are committed to identifying, nurturing and rewarding young minds whose ideas, creativity and leadership potential will shape tomorrow's Nigeria and the global community. The quality of presentations witnessed today confirms that our future is in capable hands," Prof. Asikhia stated. Also speaking, the Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs), Mrs. Adewumi Rabiu, applauded the participating schools for their discipline, preparation and sportsmanship throughout the preliminary stage. "The level of intellectual engagement displayed today was remarkable. Every participating school demonstrated courage, resilience and academic excellence. Beyond the prizes, this competition provides students with lifelong skills in research, communication, teamwork and critical thinking that will distinguish them in higher education and future careers," she stated. Rabiu also thanked the schools, principals, proprietors, teachers, parents, judges and members of the organising committee for contributing to the success of the first stage of the competition. "We sincerely appreciate every school that honoured our invitation and brought such brilliant students to this competition. “Caleb University remains committed to creating opportunities that inspire excellence and transform young lives. We look forward to welcoming the qualifying schools to the next stage as we continue this exciting intellectual journey," the Deputy Registrar added. In a press statement issued after the event, Olawale Adekoya, Principal Information and Media Expert, Caleb University, described the first stage of the competition as one of the most competitive since the National Intellectual Development Programme was inaugurated in 2022. "The remarkable standard of performance recorded at this preliminary stage reflects the growing national acceptance of the National Intellectual Development Programme as one of the foremost intellectual platforms for secondary school students in Nigeria. The debates were engaging, the arguments were compelling and the participants demonstrated exceptional academic maturity. We congratulate all the schools that took part and look forward to an even more exciting next stage of the competition,". He explained that the exercise marked Stage One of the Third Edition of the National Intellectual Development Programme, adding that schools that distinguished themselves during the preliminary rounds would advance to subsequent stages leading to the grand finale, where the overall winner will receive the coveted ₦1 million grand prize, alongside other attractive cash prizes and awards.   With the successful conclusion of the preliminary stage, attention now shifts to the next phase of the competition, where the remaining schools will continue their quest for honours in what promises to be another memorable edition of Caleb University's flagship National Intellectual Development Programme.