Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rewarded five Kwara school pupils with ₦2 million each after they won the International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship in Malaysia and later emerged champions at the Nigerian Presidential School Debate in Lagos.
The governor announced the reward on Monday while hosting the students at the Government House in Ilorin, praising their achievement and describing them as worthy ambassadors of both Nigeria and Kwara State.
The pupils represented Nigeria at the international debate competition after emerging national champions in school debate, a title Kwara State has retained for four consecutive years through the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KwSUBEB).
The International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship, which concluded in December 2025 in Malaysia, brought together participants from 16 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe. Nigeria’s representatives, drawn from Kwara’s public schools, outperformed other teams to win the global contest.
Following their victory in Malaysia, the Kwara contingent proceeded to compete in the Nigerian Presidential School Debate held in Lagos, where they again emerged champions, further cementing their reputation as one of the most outstanding debate teams in the country.
The five pupils honoured by the governor are Lawal Maryam Kikeloma, Jatto Rahmatallah Onize, Paul Unity, Fatimah AbdulRahman Thaini and Priscilla Aremu Temilayo.
During the reception, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a cash reward of ₦2 million for each of the students in recognition of their performance. Their tutors were also rewarded with ₦500,000 each for their role in preparing the team for both competitions.
The financial reward is in addition to the ₦3 million savings previously set aside for each of the students by KwSUBEB during their participation in the Malaysia competition last year.
Congratulating the students, the governor commended their discipline, dedication and determination, noting that their success has brought honour to both Nigeria and Kwara State on the global stage.
“I say congratulations to us all, especially to the students and the family members of this award winning team,” he said.
“You not only succeeded in representing Nigeria in Malaysia, you have also succeeded in retaining the trophy for the Presidential School Debate.”
He added: “You represented us well and you are worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and Kwara State. We are truly proud of your achievements.”
Governor AbdulRazaq also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to improving the education sector in the state through investments in infrastructure, curriculum development and the welfare of teachers.
“We will continue to invest heavily in the education sector, such as in the school infrastructure, curricula, and support for the civil servants who are behind the turnaround of our education in the state,” the governor said.
Chairman of KwSUBEB, Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, described the victory as historic, noting that the Kwara pupils became the first African representatives to win the international debate championship.
According to him, the team also received recognition as the Best Behaved Team during the competition.
Adaramaja attributed the success to the consistent support of the state government, as well as the dedication of the teachers and coaches who guided the pupils throughout the process.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Jatto Rahmatullah Onize expressed appreciation to the governor for creating an enabling learning environment that allowed them to thrive academically and compete successfully on the international stage.
She also thanked their teachers, the SUBEB management and their parents for the support and mentorship that helped them achieve the remarkable feat.
