FCTUBEB Launches 2026 Head To- To Head Debate Competition to tackle Out of - School Children

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB), Lady Florence Dawon Wenegieme, has officially flagged off the fifth edition of the 2026 FCT UBEB Head-to-Head Debate Competition for Junior Secondary Schools, reaffirming the Board's commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children across the Federal Capital Territory through education advocacy.

The flag-off ceremony, held at Junior Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, also featured an orientation programme for English Language teachers, who are expected to mentor participating students throughout the competition.

Describing the initiative as a strategic intervention, Lady Wenegieme commended the Head-to-Head Debate Committee for sustaining a programme that has continued to promote academic excellence while serving as a platform for students to champion the campaign against out-of-school children.

According to her, the debate competition transcends conventional academic contests by equipping learners with critical thinking, communication and leadership skills, while also inspiring them to become ambassadors for school enrolment and retention.

She stressed that teachers remain the driving force behind national development, noting that they nurture the future engineers, doctors, lawyers and other professionals who will shape society. She therefore called for greater commitment from educators in ensuring that every child is brought into the classroom.

Lady Wenegieme declared that addressing the challenge of out-of-school children remains one of her administration's top priorities, assuring stakeholders that the Board would intensify efforts to drastically reduce the menace to the barest minimum.

She applauded members of the debate committee and teachers for their dedication, urging them to adequately prepare participating students for the competition.

"I am always proud whenever I see our students confidently representing the FCT. We must all remain committed to sustaining the success of this initiative and ensuring that our schools continue to serve as models and pacesetters across the country," she said.

The Acting Executive Chairman, on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, formally declared the competition open.

Earlier, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, FCT UBEB, and Chairman of the Head-to-Head Debate Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Shuaibu, outlined the objectives of the programme, saying it was designed to sharpen students' critical thinking abilities, build their confidence in public speaking, improve research skills and support the campaign against out-of-school children.

He challenged English Language teachers to continually improve their knowledge and mentoring skills in order to produce outstanding performances during the competition.

Dr. Shuaibu noted that the debate initiative has become a vital platform for nurturing intellectually sound and socially responsible students capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

The event also featured a solemn moment as participants observed a five-minute silence in honour of Mrs. Gift Onwuzurike, a dedicated member of the Head-to-Head Debate Committee, who passed away during the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session.

Meanwhile, Junior Secondary School, Mpape, the winner of the fourth edition of the competition, was recognised for its outstanding performance after emerging champions and receiving the coveted trophy alongside other prizes.

The 2026 edition is expected to attract robust participation from public junior secondary schools across the six Area Councils of the FCT as the Board continues to leverage education, debate and advocacy to promote school enrolment, academic excellence and youth empowerment.

By Ossai Patience