As Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary, secondary school students in Sokoto State have called for reforms in the nation’s education system.

They proposed a shift from the traditional five-day classroom routine to a blended model of “three days in class and two days in vocational centres,” which they argued would balance academic learning with practical skills.

The proposal was raised during the *Best Brain Competition and Inter-School Debate* organised in Sokoto by Amazing Fame Concepts with support from Devkem Catering and Consultant Enterprises Limited. The contest featured eight private secondary schools, providing a platform for young participants to debate national issues and showcase intellectual skills.

David Agbonyin, Chief Executive Officer of Devkem, said his sponsorship was motivated by a passion for education and youth development. He noted that the students’ call reflected the aspirations of Sokoto youth for a more dynamic learning system.

“Their idea of ‘three days in class, two days on the field’ underscores the need to align education with real-world experience,” Agbonyin said, adding that such initiatives foster critical thinking, patriotism, and help steer young people away from drug abuse and social vices.

He also urged private sector players to complement government efforts in the education sector.

Convener of the event, Comrade Ola Matthew, explained that the competition was designed to promote critical thinking, reading culture, and public speaking among students, with plans to expand it across the North-West region.

At the end of the contest, Global Kids Academy emerged overall winner, clinching the top prize of ₦500,000. Khalifa International Model School came second with ₦300,000, while Fort International and Royal Comprehensive shared the third prize, each receiving ₦200,000.