Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s pivotal investment in education yielded yet another remarkable dividend when Anambra students who recently represented Nigeria won the globally coveted 2023 Malaysian International Debate Championship.

 

The annual event organized by the Malaysian International Schools Debate Education Society (MISDES) under the auspices of Malaysia’s Ministry of Education is geared towards fostering intellectualism and world peace initiatives and broadening the horizon of the world’s young leaders in critical thinking.

 

Team Nigeria represented by the Anambra State Debate Team that won the Nigeria Inter-State Debate championship to become Nigeria’s National Debate Team, defeated Team Hin Hua of the Kuala Lumpur region in the quarter-finals to qualify for the semi-finals.

 

In the semi-finals, Team Nigeria successfully seized the belt of victory from Team Pin Hwa, which comprised of international students from India, China, Singapore and Pakistan who were winners in their regional tier of the quarter-finals.

 

The pulsating final pitched Team Nigeria against the Malaysian National Team. The Nigerians triumphed fair and square, thereby emerging overall winners of the 2023 Malaysian International Bi-Lateral Debate Championship.

 

The Anambra State students who represented Nigeria are: Emmanuel Ezechukwu and John Okey-Okonkwo of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha; Obiọma Okafor of Mater Amabilis Girls Secondary School, Umuoji; and Promise Mbachu of St. Michaels Secondary School, Nimo.

 

The team was led by the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.

 

Governor Soludo, beaming with smiles upon seeing the manifestation of his pacesetting educational excellence in Anambra State on the world stage, commended the returning debating champions for yet another feat attained on a global platform. He stated that the latest achievement is a further evidence of the world-class scholarly excellence for which Nigerians in general, and Anambra State students in particular, are known for.

 

Governor Soludo showered commendations on the outstanding leadership of the Anambra State Debate Team whose brilliant performances have brought high honours to Nigeria and Anambra.

 

In the outlook of Prof Soludo, the resounding victory reflects the amazing depth of talent, scholarship and eloquence that Anambra State nurtures and cultivates; as the government continues to prioritize educational reforms through a favourable learning environment.

 

The students performance not only brings pride to Anambra State but also exemplifies the significance of investing in quality education and nurturing the youth to become global thought leaders.

 

The outstanding feats in education since Governor Soludo mounted the saddle are too numerous to mention. Solution is indeed here in Anambra State.

 

Written by SIR PAUL NWOSU