Entries closed at 11:59 Pm. on 30th September 2025, and here is the National Statistical Summary Report
The United Organization for Education and Sports Development (UOESD) successfully held the 12th Edition of its Annual National Essay, and Debating Championship (2025–2026) across the four major educational categories in Nigeria — Primary, Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary, and Tertiary Institutions.
The competition, designed to promote academic excellence, leadership, and effective communication among students, recorded an impressive turnout from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
1. Debate Submission Statistics by Educational Category
Primary School Category:
Anambra State recorded the highest number of debate submissions nationwide.
Junior Secondary School Category:
Both Lagos State and Enugu State recorded the same highest number of entries, resulting in a tie.
Senior Secondary School Category:
Anambra State again emerged with the highest number of debate submissions.
Tertiary Institution Category:
Ondo State had the highest number of debate submissions at the university level.
2. University Participation (Multiple Teams)
Unlike other categories, tertiary institutions were not restricted to any minimum or maximum number of teams of three.
Among all participating universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, nursing, health etc, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), stood out by presenting five debate teams, the highest number of team submissions recorded in the 2025–2026 edition.
3. Geopolitical Zone Representation (Primary to Tertiary Levels)
Participation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones was as follows:
Geopolitical Zone
State with Highest Number of Submissions
Southeast - Anambra State
South-South - Rivers State
Southwest - Lagos State
Northeast - Gombe State
Northwest - Kaduna State
North Central - Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
4. Topics and Debate Positions (Open Ticket)
Each category featured open-ended motions that allowed participants to take either side of the argument, promoting diverse perspectives and critical reasoning.
Primary School Debate Topic:
“School should be regarded as the best agent of socialization rather than the family.”
Some schools supported the motion, highlighting the structured environment and peer learning offered by schools.
Others opposed, insisting that the family remains the strongest and most effective agent of socialization.
Senior Secondary School Debate Topic:
“The Nigerian government has done more good than harm to its citizens.”
The majority supported the motion, citing national development efforts and social initiatives, government food palliatives, infrastructural designs, etc.
A minority opposed, contending that the government’s shortcomings have caused more harm than good in the country.
Tertiary Institution Debate Topic:
“Africa’s underdevelopment is a natural phenomenon rather than a man made construct.”
Interestingly, all tertiary institutions opposed the motion, asserting that Africa’s underdevelopment is man-made, shaped by historical injustices, governance issues, and external exploitation.
Closing Statement – 2025–2026 UOESD National Championship
The 2025–2026 UOESD National Championship was a remarkable display of national engagement, regional diversity, and intellectual excellence across Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Anambra State emerged as the most active participant overall, while the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, distinguished itself with outstanding performance and the highest number of participating teams at the tertiary level.
This edition once again reaffirmed the United Organization for Education and Sports Development’s (UOESD) unwavering commitment to promoting critical thinking, constructive dialogue, and academic excellence—equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to contribute meaningfully to education, governance, and community development.
The panel of judges is currently reviewing all entries with the utmost care and fairness. The first-round results will be officially announced upon completion of the evaluation process.
Congratulations once again to all participants for your creativity, hard work, and exceptional contributions. Your voices have truly been heard and celebrated.
Regards,
Amb. Prof. Chineke, Cajethan Goodluck
UOESD President General, Commonwealth Society of Nigeria Senior Ambassador
(B.A.Ed. (Eng.), ABSU; MSc GG, EILM, Dublin; MSc IR, MIT, USA; Hon. Prof., PHU, USA. Afr. Pres; UOESD; CSN Amb. (2017); GFIIA(2021), IESA, BKK (2020) GCA, 2024) GIS BUD (2025)