Rivers State hosted the 2026 President’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship, with the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, declaring the national competition open in Port Harcourt.
The opening ceremony, held on Tuesday at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, brought together students, debaters, teachers, coordinators, government officials and delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Education, the championship was held under the theme, “27th Democracy and 3rd Year Anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship.”
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The event attracted distinguished personalities, education stakeholders and members of the public, including the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON; Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS; Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, DSSRS; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, FSTAN; and the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, FSM, FCAI, MNIM.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Nwagor, on behalf of the Rivers State Government and people, warmly welcomed the participants to the State and assured them of the hospitality and goodwill of the people throughout their stay.
The Commissioner described the championship as more than a competition, noting that it provides a platform for young Nigerians to develop critical thinking, research skills, confidence, effective communication and the ability to engage constructively with opposing views.
According to him, debate plays a significant role in preparing young people for leadership by encouraging them to examine issues critically, articulate their positions and respect differing perspectives.
Dr. Nwagor commended the organisers, participating schools, teachers and coordinators for their commitment to promoting intellectual excellence among Nigerian youths, while congratulating the students who earned the opportunity to represent their respective states and the Federal Capital Territory at the national championship.
Addressing the young debaters, the Commissioner urged them to participate with confidence, discipline and mutual respect, stressing that the essence of debate goes beyond winning arguments.
He encouraged the students to listen attentively, reason clearly, present evidence honestly and remain open to learning from one another.
“Let the quality of your ideas and the strength of your character define your participation here,” he charged.
Dr. Nwagor further expressed the pride of Rivers State in hosting the national gathering of young Nigerians, saying the State was delighted to contribute to the development of a generation capable of producing bold, innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting the country.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government to supporting initiatives that promote academic excellence, intellectual development, innovation and leadership among young people.
Earlier in his welcome address, the National Coordinator of President’s School Debate Nigeria, Elder Dare Oritu, who was represented by Dr. Eunice Butu, reminded the students that debate is not a fight but an avenue to challenge ideas and engage different perspectives constructively.
She urged the participants to approach the competition with open minds and see the exercise as an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and broaden their understanding of national issues.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, encouraged the students to be confident and bold, noting that their preparation had equipped them for the competition.
Dr. Ikuru further urged the participants to make the most of their stay in Rivers State by building relationships and bonding with students from other states.
She said such interactions would enable the young participants to learn from one another while fostering friendship, unity and national integration among Nigerian youths.
The Commissioner thereafter officially flagged off and declared open the 2026 President’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship on behalf of the Government of Rivers State.
The championship is expected to provide participating students with an opportunity to demonstrate their intellectual abilities while promoting democratic values, healthy discourse and leadership development among young Nigerians.
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