Abia Students Win Top Prize at 2026 International Debate Championship in Qatar
Students from public schools in Abia State have secured a major international academic victory after emerging overall champions at the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship held in Doha, Qatar.
The five-member Nigerian team, made up entirely of students from Abia public schools, won the competition’s top honour, the Best International School Debate Team award, after competing against teams from several countries.
The championship brought together more than 84 groups from eight countries, including Nigeria, Jordan, India, Qatar, the Philippines and Kenya. The competition was coordinated by the Vocara Institute and hosted by the QatarDebate Centre at Georgetown University in Doha.
Representing Nigeria through Presidential School Debate Nigeria, the Abia students also secured three other major awards — Overall Best Team in the Junior Category, Best Leadership Award and Best Debater Award.
In total, the team recorded four major trophies and 12 additional laurels for their performances throughout the championship.
The five students who represented Nigeria were Christian Chinweotitom Esther, Chikodi Maureen, Akamnonu Franklin, Ifeanyichukwu Prisca and Simon Divine.
The team progressed through the preliminary rounds after overcoming competitors from the Philippines, Jordan, India and Qatar before advancing to the final stage.
The delegation was led by the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Ambassador Lydia Onuoha, alongside representatives of the Presidency and Presidential School Debate Nigeria, Reacting to the achievement, Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Ukoha, described the victory as a reflection of the intellectual ability of students in the state’s public schools.
He said the achievement had demonstrated what he described as the strength of Abia’s education reforms and added that the students had made both the state and Nigeria proud. The state Commissioner for Basic Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, also welcomed the result, saying the government was encouraged by the students’ performance.
Ubochi disclosed that the state planned to celebrate the debate team and other Abia students who have recorded notable performances in national academic competitions when they return. The Doha victory gives the Abia students another opportunity to showcase the academic potential of Nigerian public-school students on the international stage.
Beyond the trophies, their performance has also highlighted the importance of debate, critical thinking, leadership and effective communication among young Nigerians competing globally.