Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday received the Kwara school Children who won the 2025 International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship in Malaysia, announcing a cash reward of N2 million for each of them.
The pupils represented Nigeria at the competition after emerging national champions in school debate — a feat Kwara has recorded for four consecutive years. The championship, held in December 2025, featured participants from 16 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe.
In a media statement released to the press in the evening of Monday, March 9, 2026 by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the administration said the students were honoured for their outstanding performance both at the international debate championship in Malaysia and the Nigerian Presidential School Debate in Abuja where they also emerged champions.
Commending the pupils for their accomplishments, the Governor said:
“You represented us well and you are worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and Kwara State. We are truly proud of your achievements.”
He added:
“We will continue to invest heavily in the education sector, such as in the school infrastructure, curricula, and support for the civil servants who are behind the turnaround of our education in the state. Yes, a lot of work still needs to be done but we will continue to do what we need to do to make sure that the standards get better year in, year out.”
The Governor also announced a N500,000 cash reward for each of the tutors of the students, in addition to the N3 million savings earlier set aside for each of the pupils by the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board during their Malaysia trip.
The student champions are Lawal Maryam Kikeloma, Jatto Rahmatallah Onize, Paul Unity, Fatimah AbdulRahman Thaini, and Priscilla Aremu Temilayo.
Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, said the pupils made history as the first African team to win the international championship and were also named the Best Behaved Team.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Jatto Rahmatullah Onize thanked the Governor for providing a conducive learning environment and appreciated the support of SUBEB, their teachers and parents.
Dignitaries at the reception included members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, cabinet members, the Local Government Council Chairmen of Offa, Ilorin South and Ilorin East, principal staff of SUBEB, the coaches, and family members of the student champions.
