***The programme was established to empower young people with essential life skills beyond conventional classroom learning – IKPOYI
Bishop Howells Memorial has emerged champion of Season 2 of the Dare2Debate Initiative, winning a cash prize of ₦300,000 and the championship trophy at the grand finale initiative operatiing under the guiding principles of TSL (Think, Speak and Learn) held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Faculty of Education Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State.
Dazzille International College finished in second place, receiving ₦200,000, while CMS Grammar School secured third position with a cash prize of ₦100,000.
The competition brought together secondary school students to demonstrate their abilities in critical thinking, research, public speaking, logical reasoning and effective communication, reinforcing the importance of debate in developing confident and responsible young leaders.
Speaking on the initiative, Project Director of Dare2Debate, Davies Ikpoyi, said the programme was established to empower young people with essential life skills beyond conventional classroom learning.
According to Ikpoyi, Dare2Debate operates under its guiding principle, Think. Speak. Lead., through which the organisation uses debate as a practical tool for developing independent thinking, confidence, informed decision-making and responsible leadership among secondary school students.
He explained that the initiative recognises that academic knowledge alone is insufficient to prepare young people for the challenges of life, stressing the need for students to learn how to analyse issues, defend their positions with evidence, listen to opposing viewpoints and communicate their ideas effectively.
The Season 2 competition began with preliminary rounds at CMS Grammar School, where eight secondary schools participated. Four schools subsequently qualified for the semi-finals, from which the two finalists emerged to compete for the championship.
The competition featured thought-provoking motions that challenged participants to examine complex social and ethical questions from different perspectives.
Among the motions debated were “Academic excellence is a poor measure of a person’s ability to succeed in life” and “A good outcome can never justify a dishonest process.”
The grand finale featured an impromptu motion: “A person’s opportunities in life matter more than their personal effort in determining success.”
The topics tested the students’ ability to construct logical arguments, provide supporting examples, respond to opposing views and think critically under pressure.
Delivering an inspirational address at the event, special guest Hon. Khadijat Bello, a Lagos State deputy governorship aspirant for the 2027 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), encouraged the students to develop a willingness to ask questions, listen and learn without being ashamed of seeking clarification.
She described questioning as a sign of a person’s willingness to learn, adding that the knowledge acquired through debate equips young people with the ability to defend themselves and express their positions confidently.
Bello also emphasised the importance of integrity, warning students against examination malpractice and other dishonest practices.
According to her, success should not be measured merely by reaching the top but also by the principles and conduct through which an individual achieves it.
“Take your studies seriously, respect the teachers and your parents. You do not have to wait to become a governor or deputy governor before showing traits of leadership. The world needs more people that care,” she said.
In a related development, Barr. Adebowale Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the forthcoming general election, addressed the students via telephone, urging them to prioritise Nigeria’s collective interest and recognise their responsibility towards the country’s future.
Adebayo encouraged the students to do what is right, explaining that demonstrating integrity in everyday decisions is an important expression of leadership.
He also urged them to take their studies seriously, particularly the development of communication and listening skills, which he described as essential to learning and constructive engagement with others.
Ikpoyi said Dare2Debate’s objectives extend beyond identifying the best debating school, noting that the initiative seeks to equip participating students with transferable skills, including teamwork, discipline, research, active listening, confidence and respect for differing opinions.
Looking ahead, the project director said the organisation intends to expand its reach to more secondary schools across Lagos State and eventually other parts of Nigeria, with particular attention to underserved communities with limited access to extracurricular development opportunities.
He added that future editions would seek stronger partnerships with corporate organisations, educational institutions, public-sector stakeholders and development partners.
The initiative also plans to introduce complementary learning opportunities in leadership, mentorship, financial literacy, critical thinking and personal development to sustain students’ growth beyond the annual competition.
Ikpoyi expressed appreciation to participating schools, teachers, students, judges, guest speakers, performers, sponsors, partners, volunteers and other supporters whose contributions made Season 2 possible.
He described the latest edition as another step towards building a sustainable platform for youth development, expressing optimism that continued collaboration would help nurture a generation of informed, ethical and effective leaders.
Through its Think. Speak. Lead. programme, Dare2Debate aims to demonstrate that empowering young people to think independently, communicate confidently and act responsibly is essential to building a better society.