Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has described Inter-school debate as one of the veritable tools for the promotion of qualitative and efficient educational system.

          Prof. Arigbabu made this submission in Abeokuta, during the official opening of the 2022 South West Zonal Final of President's Inter-Secondary Schools Debate Championship, organised by the Department of Education Support Services of the Ministry for learners in secondary schools across the South West States.

          He said qualities of a good debate include, assertiveness, persuasiveness, confidence, comportment, native intelligence, and good body language, urging them to develop the spirit of sportsmanship and marshal their points coherently.

          Arigbabu said the programme was aimed at encouraging and giving the learners the opportunity to practice speak up in front of an audience and also boost their oratory skills.

          "To the participants of this championship, there are lessons in life to learn and attributes to be picked up from this competition. For example, a debate is one of the veritable tools to foster peace within and among the Nations and it must be adopted to serve the purpose", Arigbabu said.

          In his remarks, the National Coordinator, President's Schools Debate Nigeria, Elder Dare Oritu, explained that debate has been widely used across the world as an instrument for dialogue between conflict groups, saying the occasion is would sustain the ideals of dialogue among learners across the nation.

          Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, Education Support Services, Mrs. Bamidele Makinde, noted that the championship would help to develop critical thinking skills that are essential in daily life, build confidence in public speaking, and enable learners to express their ideas eloquently, adding that debate is an avenue that provides learners the opportunity to explore real-world topics.

          She noted that the winner of the Southwest Zonal Final will represent the zone at the National Level.