Dare2Debate: Bishop Howells Memorial wins ₦300,000, CMS Grammar School places third

MMercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Bishop Howells Memorial has emerged as the winner of Season 2 of the Dare2Debate Initiative, taking home a cash prize of ₦300,000 and the championship trophy at the grand finale held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State.

The competition, held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Faculty of Education Hall, brought together secondary school students to showcase their abilities in critical thinking, research, public speaking, logical reasoning and effective communication.

Dazzille International College finished in second place, winning ₦200,000, while CMS Grammar School secured third position with a cash prize of ₦100,000.

The initiative, guided by the principles of Think, Speak and Lead, seeks to equip young people with essential life skills beyond conventional classroom learning.

Speaking at the event, Project Director of Dare2Debate, Davies Ikpoyi, said the programme was established to develop independent thinking, confidence, informed decision-making and responsible leadership among secondary school students.

He explained that academic knowledge alone was insufficient to prepare young people for life’s challenges, stressing the importance of teaching students to analyse issues, defend their positions with evidence, listen to opposing viewpoints and communicate their ideas effectively.

According to him, the competition provides a platform for students to develop skills that will benefit them in their education, careers and future leadership responsibilities.

The Season 2 competition commenced with preliminary rounds at CMS Grammar School, involving eight secondary schools. Four schools subsequently qualified for the semi-finals, from which the finalists emerged to compete for the championship.

Participants debated thought-provoking motions, including “Academic excellence is a poor measure of a person’s ability to succeed in life” and “A good outcome can never justify a dishonest process.”

The grand finale featured an impromptu motion: “A person’s opportunities in life matter more than their personal effort in determining success.”

The debates tested the students’ ability to construct logical arguments, support their positions with relevant examples, respond to opposing views and think critically under pressure.

Bello urges students to embrace integrity

Delivering an inspirational address, special guest Hon. Khadijat Bello, a Lagos State deputy governorship aspirant for the 2027 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), encouraged students to cultivate the habit of asking questions, listening and learning without feeling ashamed of seeking clarification.

She described questioning as an indication of a willingness to learn, adding that debate equips young people with the confidence to defend their positions and express their views effectively.

Bello also warned against examination malpractice and other dishonest practices, emphasising that genuine success should be measured not only by achievements but also by the principles and conduct through which they are attained.

“Take your studies seriously, respect the teachers and your parents. You do not have to wait to become a governor or deputy governor before showing traits of leadership. The world needs more people who care,” she said.

In a related development, Barr. Adebowale Adebayo, identified by the organisers as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), addressed the students by telephone, urging them to prioritise Nigeria’s collective interest and recognise their responsibility for the country’s future.

Adebayo encouraged the students to uphold integrity in their everyday decisions, describing doing what is right as an important expression of leadership.

He also urged them to take their studies seriously and develop effective communication and listening skills, which he described as essential to learning and constructive engagement.

Organisers plan expansion

Ikpoyi said Dare2Debate’s objectives extended beyond identifying the best debating school, noting that the initiative was designed to promote teamwork, discipline, research, active listening, confidence and respect for differing opinions.

He disclosed that the organisation planned to extend its reach to more secondary schools across Lagos State and eventually other parts of Nigeria, with particular attention to underserved communities with limited access to extracurricular development opportunities.

According to him, future editions would seek stronger partnerships with corporate organisations, educational institutions, public-sector stakeholders and development partners to strengthen the programme’s impact.

He added that the initiative planned to introduce complementary learning opportunities in leadership, mentorship, financial literacy, critical thinking and personal development to sustain students’ growth beyond the annual competition.

The project director expressed appreciation to participating schools, teachers, students, judges, guest speakers, performers, sponsors, partners, volunteers and other supporters whose contributions helped make the second season successful.

He described the latest edition as another step towards building a sustainable platform for youth development, expressing optimism that continued collaboration would help nurture a generation of informed, ethical and effective leaders.

Through its Think, Speak and Lead programme, Dare2Debate aims to demonstrate that empowering young people to think independently, communicate confidently and act responsibly is essential to building a better society.