Jendol Debate Championship Crowns 14-Year-Old Winner

The power of opportunity and education was on full display as fourteen-year-old Ndubuisi Praise of Community Senior Secondary School, Bayeku, Ikorodu, emerged winner of the Jendol Annual Debate Championship (JADC) Season 3. The keenly contested competition brought together outstanding students from public secondary schools across Lagos and Ogun States, once again proving that academic excellence thrives when young minds are given the right platform.

A Growing Platform for Public School Excellence

The championship, organized and sponsored by Jendol Superstores and produced by Santab Productions Ltd., recorded its largest participation so far. A total of 570 students from 257 public senior secondary schools took part, starting from the preliminary rounds through to the grand finale. What began as a corporate social responsibility initiative has steadily grown into one of the most impactful academic competitions for public-school students in the region.

Each stage of the contest tested participants on critical thinking, articulation, confidence, and depth of knowledge, with students consistently raising the bar as the competition progressed.

A Thought-Provoking Grand Finale

The final debate was anchored on the motion, “Content creation and viral culture have done more harm than good to Nigerian youth and society.” Ndubuisi distinguished himself with strong reasoning, clear structure, and confident delivery, impressing both the judges and audience. His arguments reflected maturity beyond his age and a solid understanding of contemporary social issues.

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Chief Judge, Professor Bolarinwa Bamidele Josef, described the judging process as particularly challenging due to the high quality of performances throughout the competition. He noted that several semi-finalists displayed the competence of eventual winners, making the final decision one of the toughest he had faced in recent years.

Rewards That Celebrate Effort and Mentorship

For emerging winner, Ndubuisi received a cash prize of ₦1 million, a shopping voucher from Jendol Superstores, and an additional ₦150,000 from ALAT Xplore by WEMA Bank. His teacher and coach, Mrs. Kehinde Alarape, was rewarded with ₦250,000 in recognition of her dedication and guidance. The school also received learning materials, including a magnetic whiteboard, markers, and dusters to support classroom teaching.

Other finalists were equally celebrated. The first runner-up, Adelaja Esther of Air Force Senior Secondary School, Shasha, Lagos State, received ₦700,000, while the second runner-up, Ayodele David of Alimosho Senior Secondary School, Lagos State, received ₦500,000. Their teachers were also rewarded financially for their role in preparing the students.

All finalists and semi-finalists received recognition, reinforcing the championship’s commitment to encouragement rather than exclusion.

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Strong Institutional Support

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Jendol Superstores, Dr Mark Akhabue, said the steady increase in participation shows that the program is making a meaningful impact. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiative in future editions.

The Managing Director of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Afolabi Sholebo, praised the organizers, describing the competition’s outcome as proof that public-school students possess immense academic potential when given proper opportunities. Representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology also commended the initiative and reiterated their support.

Shaping Futures Beyond the Debate Stage

Addressing the finalists, Executive Director of Jendol Superstores, Mrs. Oluwakemi Akhabue, encouraged the students, reminding them that reaching the final stage already set them apart as achievers.

Ndubuisi, who hopes to pursue a career in accounting and human rights advocacy, said the competition boosted his confidence and expanded his aspirations. Organizers also commended his coach for her consistent guidance and commitment.

The Jendol Annual Debate Championship continues to serve as a powerful reminder that when public-school students are empowered, they can compete, excel, and lead with confidence.

 

 

 

 

 

Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi

Image Credit: The Guardians.com