Otti slashes N5m on Qatar international school debate winners

Abia Governor Alex Otti has rewarded five students with ₦1 million each following their victory at the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar.

Otti also approved full educational sponsorship up to university level for the team's 15-year-old captain, Esther Christian, through the Alex Otti Foundation.

The Governor announced the rewards on Saturday while hosting the students at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia where they presented their trophies, medals and certificates.

The students, who represented Nigeria at the international competition, won four major awards and 12 individual honours after competing against teams from other countries.

Their achievements included the Best International School Debate Team award, Overall Best Team in the Junior Category, Best Debater Award and Best Leadership Award.

According to the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lydia Ezinne Onuoha, the students faced impromptu debate topics during the final rounds, with only 15 minutes to prepare and present their arguments.

Beyond the students' rewards, Otti approved ₦750,000 each for the officials who accompanied the team and ₦1.75 million for the school that produced the champions.

He also awarded ₦1 million to Onyinyechi Okonkwo of Ovom Girls Secondary School for winning the 2026 National Essay Competition.

The Governor further approved the debate team's request to participate in the 2027 edition of the championship, which is expected to provide another opportunity for the students to represent Nigeria internationally.

The achievement highlights the performance of Abia's public school students on an international platform and the opportunities available to young people when their academic talents receive recognition and support.