8 public secondary schools in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital have debated core national issues at the Wits and Words 2024 with the theme: National Development through quality education held at the University of Ibadan Distant Learning Centre on Friday, 26th January, 2024. These 8 schools were the emerging finalists out of 20 schools that underwent intensive training sessions and tournaments facilitated by The speech Squad and Build Greenies Learning Hub.
Speaking at the event, Lead trainer of the Speech Squad, Mary Adeyemo explained that the participating students have been undergoing training since May 2023 and an eventual debate and oratory competition to showcase well-researched and thorough solutions to some societal anomalies.
Miss Adeyemo expressed her joy with the impact of the training on the students, saying that it has improved their eloquence, and interests in topics ranging from governance, policies and community participation.
Also, Director, Build Greenies Learning Hub, Adedayo Adebayo, while speaking at the event, said the goal is not just to organize debate competition or oratory contests but the development of teenage minds to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Country through critical thinking skills.
He revealed that the organization has trained about 40 teachers on interactive teaching methods, as well as students on public speaking.
Adebayo also challenged the government to help take up the responsibility of partnering non-governmental organizations by providing training budgets to schools to avail their students for educative events outside their curriculum.
Reacting to one of the issues raised during the debate, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu, who was represented by the Deputy Director, school Administration, Mr. Tayo Stephen said the government has employed enough councilors in public schools to cater to the psychological needs of students. He also appreciated the Build Greenies Learning Hub and the Speech Squad for their contribution to the improvement of education in Oyo state. Mr. Stephen expressed his satisfaction on the vibrancy of students in public schools in the state.
The key note speaker, Director, Institute of Education, University of Ibadan, Professor Abiodun Adegbile, represented by a seasoned scholar at the Institute of Education (IOE), Dr. Junaid Olarewaju advised the government to give periodic training and ensure internal monitoring and supervision of Teachers. She also gave step by step methods to teachers on how to improve the comprehension of slow learners, while warning students against the quest to leave the Country but urged them to focus on building our nation Nigeria, as Build Greenies Learning Hub and The Speech Squad have been doing.
Participating schools include; Community High School Adamasingba, Cheshire High School, Ikolaba Grammar School 2, Emmanuel College, Loyola College, Polytechnic High School Ijokodo, Oba Akinyele Memorial High School and Emmanuel Grammar School.
Akande Kehinde won the award for best refutation, the most creative speech was won by Fatokun Jesutomiloluwa, while Temilola Busari won the best Diction.
In the category of the Top 3 students, Ike Emmanuel was the 2nd runner up, Toheeb Alebioshu won the 1st runner-up, while Akande Kehinde won the award of the overall best speaker.
In the award category for the 3 winning schools, Cheshire high school was the 2nd runner-up, the 1st runner-up went to Ikolaba Grammar School 2, while Emmanuel College won the overall best school in the competition.
The Speech Squad and Build Greenies Learning Hub are set to begin the next set of trainings in February, 2024.
