Anambra State has recorded another remarkable international achievement as its young debaters, representing Nigeria at the 2026 Malaysia/Nigeria International Bilateral Debate Championship, defeated their Malaysian counterparts by an impressive 2–1 margin.
The championship, which concluded at Sekolah Menengah Saints Tuanku Munawir, Kuala Lumpur, provided an international platform for the students to showcase their intellectual abilities, critical thinking, research, articulation and public speaking skills.
Nominated through the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria (PSDN), Team Anambra comprised five basic education students: Nwigwe Okwuchukwu of Community Secondary School, Obosi; Okechukwu Angel of Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji; Ozoude Jude of St. Michael’s Model Comprehensive Grammar School, Nimo; Ezeogidi Cyril of Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School, Adazi-Nnukwu; and Ibekaku Chikamso of Capital City Secondary School, Awka.
The delegation was led by the Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Justina Chinyere Anyadiegwu, alongside supporting officials and a representative of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Christian Chukwuemeka.
During the championship, Team Anambra/Nigeria participated in three competitive debate sessions on contemporary issues relating to education, technology and public policy.
Among the motions debated were: “This House Would Prioritize School Education with Virtual Learning Environments Inside Gaming Platforms Such as Roblox” and “This House Supports the Outsourcing of Public Services to For-Profit Private Service Providers.”
At the end of the competition, Team Anambra/Nigeria secured two victories against one defeat, emerging overall champions with a commendable 2–1 result.
The students demonstrated intellectual confidence, persuasive argumentation, effective rebuttals and remarkable teamwork, proving that Anambra’s young learners can compete creditably on the international stage.
In further recognition of their outstanding performance, two members of the team, Ibekaku Chikamso of Capital City Secondary School, Awka, and Ezeogidi Cyril of Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School, Adazi-Nnukwu, received the Best Upcoming Debaters Award.
Through the Free Education Policy, Smart Schools Initiative and broader Smart Education Mandate, Governor Chukwuma Soludo is deliberately repositioning the state’s education sector to produce academically sound, digitally competent, innovative and globally competitive learners.
Reacting to the achievement, the ASUBEB Chairman, Dr. Justina Chinyere Anyadiegwu, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and strong commitment to educational transformation in Anambra State.
The Board also specially acknowledged the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, for his invaluable support, guidance and personal efforts towards actualising the state’s participation in the international championship.
Appreciation was equally extended to the Anambra State Debate Coordinator, Mrs. Amaka Anekwe; ASUBEB coaches, Maria-D. Chikaodili Nnalue and Cecilia Chinonyelum Okolo; as well as the principals and school-based coaches of the participating students for their dedication, mentorship, guidance and painstaking efforts in preparing the children for the competition.
ASUBEB noted that their collective commitment contributed significantly to the outstanding international performance.
The Board also commended the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria (PSDN) for providing the valuable international platform that enabled the students to showcase their abilities and represent Nigeria with distinction.
