The Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has presented certificates to five students who represented Nigeria and emerged victorious at the Nigeria-Malaysia Bilateral School Debate Championship.
LEADERSHIP reports that Nigeria’s representatives, the Bauchi State contingent—comprising four girls and one boy—emerged as the best in Mathematics at the 2024 Presidential International Debate for Upper Basic Schools in Malaysia.
Speaking at the award ceremony held at SUBEB office yesterday, the executive chairman of the Board, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Duguri, attributed the students’ success to Governor Bala Mohammad’s unwavering commitment to education in the state.
Represented by the permanent secretary, Alhaji Abdulhameed Muhammad Jubril, he praised the state government for allocating over ₦42 million to support the Bauchi State team that competed at the prestigious debate championship.
Alhaji Duguri expressed his delight at the students’ performance in the junior secondary school category, highlighting that they successfully progressed through local, state, national, and international levels to secure their victory.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continuing its sponsorship of students in national and international inter-school debate competitions, which serve as a platform for academic excellence and global exposure.
Furthermore, he commended the dedication of parents and teachers in mentoring and preparing the students for the global stage, acknowledging their significant role in nurturing the young debaters.
The chairman assured continued collaboration with the federal government and other stakeholders to implement impactful educational programmes that will further enhance the quality of education in Bauchi State.
Earlier, the director of School Services, Alhaji Zuhairu Usman, who led the delegation to Malaysia, commended Governor Bala Mohammad for his visionary leadership and support for initiatives that empower students.
According to him, the students won four bronze medals, a trophy for Best Speaker, and additional awards for discipline, competence, and dedication.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Malam Mustapha expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammad for his investment in the students’ education, emphasizing that they represent a beacon of hope and progress for the entire nation.
Also speaking, a permanent member of the Special Schools Management Board, Malam Umar Sa’id, pledged continued support for such initiatives, emphasising that the board’s mandate is to nurture and train the best students in the state.
In their separate remarks, Muhammad Aslam Ahmad and Fatima Mustapha Gumau, members of the Bauchi State contingent, expressed gratitude to the Governor and the SUBEB Chairman for their support, which contributed to their successful participation and victory at the event.
The Nigeria-Malaysia Bilateral School Debate Championship took place from July 15 to 21, 2024, in Malaysia.
