The Chairman of the Grand Finale of the 2025/2026 Vision Africa Inter-School Debate Competition, retired Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has described debating competitions as a veritable platform for intellectual development among students.

The 14th edition of the annual event was held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Ihejirika commended the Founder and President of Vision Africa, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, for sustaining the initiative, noting that it promotes academic excellence and enhances the critical thinking abilities of students across the state.

In his remarks, Archbishop Onuoha stressed the importance of creating a secure learning environment as a foundation for sustainable educational development and the grooming of future leaders.

He announced that he would sponsor the WAEC registration fees of the six most outstanding students from the competition, adding that education remains a critical investment that should be prioritised by governments, organisations, and individuals.

The annual contest, organised by Vision Africa Radio in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, featured the debate topic: “Is the Grading System an Accurate Measure of a Student’s Intelligence?”

Speaking at the grand finale held at Vision Africa Radio, Umuahia, the wife of the Abia State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, who represented the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, commended the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Vision Africa, describing it as a model for effective public-private partnership in education.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to transforming the education sector through improved learning outcomes, infrastructure development, and policies that promote academic excellence.

According to her, intellectual competitions such as debates provide students with opportunities to research, think critically, build confidence, and develop communication skills.

She added that education should go beyond examinations and certificates to nurture curiosity, creativity, character, and leadership qualities among young people.

At the end of the keenly contested debate, Gradiel International School, Umuahia, emerged overall winner with 406 points. University Demonstration School, Umuahia, came second with 398 points, while Victorious Covenant High School, Aba, placed third.

A former Director at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr. Kester Ekekwe, commended the participating schools for their performance, as well as Archbishop Onuoha for consistently using the platform to promote academic excellence and critical thinking among students in Abia State.

Some participating students, speaking through their chief debaters, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the competition as a valuable platform for intellectual exposure, leadership development, and knowledge acquisition.

They also appreciated Vision Africa Radio and Archbishop Onuoha for sustaining the annual programme, which they said continues to inspire academic excellence and healthy intellectual competition among secondary school students.

The event was attended by school administrators, government officials, education stakeholders, parents and guardians, as well as local and international partners of Vision Africa Radio, who commended the sustained impact of the initiative on students’ intellectual development.