kakalistiq.com reports that the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Shittu, has called for a renewed focus on equipping young debaters with world-class skills to enable them to compete effectively on international stages.
Dr. Shittu made this appeal during the closing ceremony of a two-day Train-the-Trainers workshop held at the LASUBEB Headquarters, which concluded on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The workshop, designed for school debate coaches and adjudicators, aimed to introduce international best practices in debate training and adjudication. Dr. Shittu emphasized the transformative power of debate, noting its ability to cultivate critical thinking, persuasive communication, and intellectual engagement. These qualities, he described, as essential for nurturing future leaders.
He also highlighted the collaborative efforts between LASUBEB, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria, stressing their shared commitment to raising Nigeria’s educational standards to meet global benchmarks.
Dr. Shittu urged educators, policymakers, the media, and other stakeholders to work together to expand access to debate platforms, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to develop public speaking skills and showcase their intellectual potential.
Shamsudeen Kabir Musa, UBEC’s Debate Desk Officer, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the Commission’s dedication to fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills through initiatives like the workshop. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, equipping themselves with the expertise needed to mentor young debaters for success in both national and international competitions.
Elder Dare Oritu, National Coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria and lead organizer of the workshop, explained that the training was structured to enhance coaching and adjudication techniques. He emphasized its role in promoting inclusivity, intellectual development, and equipping young minds with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. Oritu also revealed that over 50 participants from southern states attended the workshop, underscoring its broad reach and impact on debate education across Nigeria.
The event concluded with a strong call to action for stakeholders to prioritize debate education as a tool for empowering the next generation of leaders, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel on both local and global stages.
