The Rivers State Government has flagged off the 2026 President’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship in Port Harcourt.
The event, held Tuesday at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Rumeme, attracted students, teachers and delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Declaring the championship open, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, described debate as a platform for developing critical thinking, research, confidence and effective communication.
He urged the participants to compete with discipline and mutual respect, stressing that debate goes beyond winning arguments.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of President School Debate Nigeria, Elder Dare Oritu, represented by Dr. Eunice Butu, reminded the students that debate is not a fight but an avenue to challenge ideas.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, urged the students to be confident and use the opportunity to build relationships with participants from other states.
