Sterling Bank Backs Lagos Schools Debate Amid N2bn Education Push

Sterling Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to educational development through its sponsorship of the 2026 Lagos Schools Debate Competition (LSDC), which was held at the British International Junior School, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The competition, organised by DebateChamps in collaboration with the Harvard Debate Council, United States, brought together 19 junior and senior secondary schools from the six education districts of Lagos State.

Participants debated under the Junior World Schools format, receiving topics 30 minutes before each round to test their critical thinking and argumentation skills.

Sterling Bank said its support for the competition aligns with the Education pillar of its HEART strategy, which focuses on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

Speaking at the event, Sterling Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Donatus Okpako, said the initiative reflects the bank’s belief that the quality of education and critical thinking skills developed in schools will shape Nigeria’s future competitiveness.

According to him, platforms such as the Lagos Schools Debate Competition help students develop critical thinking, structured argumentation and public speaking skills that are essential for success in a global economy.

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Peju Ibekwe, said the foundation’s participation was aimed at expanding access to intellectual opportunities for students from different socio-economic backgrounds.

She noted that partnerships are essential for strengthening the educational ecosystem and promoting intellectual curiosity among young Nigerians.

At the end of the competition, Wellspring College emerged winner of the senior category, while Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School finished as first runner-up.

In the junior category, British International School won the top prize, while Grace High School emerged first runner-up. Twenty outstanding speakers, comprising 10 students each from the senior and junior categories, were also recognised by the judges.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, commended participants for their performance, saying the competition had broadened students’ exposure, encouraged intellectual engagement and strengthened leadership potential.

Sterling Bank said the sponsorship forms part of its broader education-focused interventions. The bank highlighted its N2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship Fund launched in 2025, which is providing undergraduate scholarships to 600 students across partner institutions. It also cited initiatives of the Sterling One Foundation, including the Early Child Learning Advancement Project (E-CLAP) and the Indigenous Multilingual Digital Literacy and AI Hub in Ajegunle, Lagos.

According to the bank, the debate competition is another step in its efforts to support the development of future leaders and strengthen educational outcomes in Nigeria.