St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, Anambra State, has made history by winning the inaugural UK-Nigeria Debate Competition. The school's team, comprising Chibueze Jennifer, Obiokafor Catherine, Eneoli Benjamin, and Onwuegbusi Valentine, mentored by John Onuigbo and supported by Chiagozie Udorji, outshone top schools from both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Competition Highlights
- *Participating Schools*: Four Nigerian schools (Britarch Schools, Abuja; Sure Start School, Abuja; St. Augustine’s College, Jos; and St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu) and three UK schools (Central Foundation Girls’ School, Maghull High School, and Shireland High School) took part in the competition.
- *Debate Topics*: The competition covered various global themes, including technology, environmental protection, and history.
- *Final Showdown*: St. John Vianney Science College defeated St. Augustine’s College, Jos, in an all-Nigerian final, securing the championship title ¹ ².
Reaction from the Winners
Chibueze Jennifer, one of the winning team members, expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying, "This is a dream come true for all of us. The level of competition was extremely high, especially going against top schools from the UK. But we believed in our preparation, trusted each other, and gave it our best."
School's Response
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, Director of St. John Vianney Science College, attributed the victory to the school's commitment to excellence, discipline, and global relevance. "This victory is a validation of the quality of education and moral formation that St. John Vianney Science College stands for," he said ³ ¹.
What's Next
The winning team will represent Nigeria in the extension debate rounds in London, scheduled for December 2025. This achievement not only brings pride to the school but also showcases the intellectual capabilities of Nigerian students on a global stage ¹.
