By Ridwanullah Sakariyah
Five school children from Kwara State who recently placed Nigeria on the global map of academic debate have received a cash reward of N2 million each from the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The school children earned the recognition after winning the International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship in Malaysia and later emerged champions at the Nigerian Presidential School Debate held in Lagos.
The governor announced the reward during a reception organised for the students at the Government House in Ilorin. The development was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The students are Lawal Maryam Kikeloma, Jatto Rahmatullah Onize, Paul Unity, Fatimah AbdulRahman Thaini, and Priscilla Aremu Temilayo. They represented Nigeria at the international competition as national champions.
Their tutors were also recognised for their efforts. Each of them received ₦500,000 as appreciation for mentoring the team.
The cash gifts are separate from the earlier support provided by the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, which had set aside ₦3 million for each student during the team’s trip to Malaysia.
Addressing the gathering, AbdulRazaq praised the pupils for bringing honour to both the state and the country.
He said, “I say congratulations to us all, especially to the students and the family members of this award-winning team.”
“You not only succeeded in representing Nigeria in Malaysia, but you also succeeded in retaining the trophy for the Presidential School Debate.
“You represented us well, and you are worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and Kwara State. We are truly proud of your achievements.”
The governor also commended the parents of the students, saying their role in raising disciplined children contributed greatly to the success recorded by the team.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the education sector in the state.
“We will continue to invest heavily in the education sector, including school infrastructure, curricula, and support for the civil servants who are driving the turnaround in our education system,” he said.
“A lot of work still needs to be done, but we will continue to ensure that standards improve year after year.”
Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, described the victory as a landmark achievement.
He said, “They were also awarded a prize as the Best Behaved Team,” noting that the Kwara delegation was the first African team to win the international junior debate championship.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Jatto Rahmatullah Onize thanked the state government and their mentors for supporting their academic journey.
“We thank Governor AbdulRazaq for creating a conducive learning environment that allowed us to thrive and become global champions,” she said.
The event drew several dignitaries, including members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, cabinet officials, local government chairmen, SUBEB officials, coaches, and the families of the students.
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