The wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has congratulated Saint John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, for emerging winner of the inaugural UK-Nigeria Debate Championship, describing the school’s performance as part of an ongoing academic trend in the state.

The competition, held virtually on June 19, 2025, was organised by Bring It On Africa in partnership with Debate Mate UK. It featured top-ranking secondary schools from Nigeria and the United Kingdom and aimed to promote cross-cultural exchange while strengthening the reasoning and communication skills of participating students.

Saint John Vianney Science College represented Nigeria alongside Britarch Schools and Sure Start School from Abuja, and St. Augustine’s College, Jos. Schools representing the United Kingdom included Central Foundation Girls’ School, Maghull High School, and Shireland High School.

The Anambra school reached the finals after defeating UK contenders Maghull High School and Central Foundation Girls’ School, eventually claiming victory in an all-Nigerian final against St. Augustine’s College.

Speaking on the outcome, Dr. Soludo said the result reflected the educational priorities of the current administration in Anambra State.

“Our state is the moulding ground for exceptional talents and record setters who are tapping greatly from the abundant opportunities that our administration is offering,” she said.

She added that the students had demonstrated the importance of sustained investment in education. “By defeating Ivy League schools to clinch the coveted grand prize, our great students have shown, once again, that education lives in the core of Anambra’s most cherished dream. It is a philosophy that our administration clearly understands and is constantly investing in to achieve the kind of result that we’re just celebrating.”

Dr. Soludo also praised the school’s staff and management for their efforts in preparing students for competitive academic engagements.

She said, “You are exposing them to life-changing academic and personal engagements that will help them to prosper in their chosen fields in future.”

The students who represented the school in the competition were Chibueze Jennifer, Obiokafor Catherine, Eneoli Benjamin, and Onwuegbusi Valentine, with guidance from their coach, John Onuigbo.