By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Agege Local Government Education Authority Schools (LGEAS) emerged as the top contenders in the semi-final stage of the All Public Primary Schools in Lagos Debate Competition. The event, organized by LGNA International in partnership with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Embassy of Ireland in Nigeria, has been a platform to showcase the debating skills of young students across the state.
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According to Tunde Jakande, CEO of LGNA, a total of fourteen primary schools from six local government councils have successfully advanced to the semi-final round of the competition. These schools displayed their prowess in the quarter-finals, which took place on Tuesday, May 23 at the Universal Basic Education Board in Mende, Maryland.
Among the quarter-finalists, three primary schools from Agege local government council stood out, securing the first position in the keenly contested session. Ibukun Olu Primary School, Orile Agege Primary School, and Ladoja Primary School impressed the judges with their articulate arguments and persuasive speaking skills. Following closely behind in second place was ST. Francis Primary School from Kosofe LGA.
The third position was shared by African Primary School, St. Georges, and Rauf Aregbesola Primary Schools. Eti Osa council secured the fourth spot with Kuramo Primary School, Lagos Model, and Obalende Primary Schools. Ikeja and Oshodi Isolo councils rounded up the top six positions with Ikeja’s Onilekere Primary School and Oke-Ira Primary School, along with Monsuru Asoro Primary School from Oshodi Isolo.
The semi-finals, set to be a battle of intellectual prowess, are scheduled to take place on Friday, May 26 at the SUBEB headquarters. With the competition featuring a total of 1,017 public primary schools, the emergence of these six schools in the final stage marks a remarkable achievement for the students and their respective institutions.
The All Public Primary Schools in Lagos Debate Competition aims to promote critical thinking, public speaking skills, and confidence among young students. It provides an opportunity for them to engage in meaningful discourse and cultivate their ability to express their thoughts effectively. The collaboration between LGNA International, SUBEB, and the Embassy of Ireland highlights the importance of education and the development of young minds in Lagos State.