Awka: Students of St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, Anambra, have emerged overall winners at the inaugural virtual UK-Nigeria Debate Championship. Representing Nigeria in the competition were Britarch Schools, Sure Start School, Abuja; St. Augustine's College, Jos; and St. John Vianney Science College, Anambra. The UK representatives included Central Foundation Girls' School, Maghull High School, and Shireland High School. The event, held on Thursday, was jointly organised by Bring-It-On Africa and Debate Mate UK, aiming to foster cross-cultural dialogue and enhance the critical thinking, oratory, and reasoning skills of students from both countries.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, expressed her congratulations in a message on Saturday, commending the students for representing Anambra on a global platform. Soludo, Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, emphasized that this achievement underscores education as the foundation of Anambra's excellence in human capital. She highlighted that the state is nurturing exceptional talents who are benefiting from the current administration's opportunities.

Dr. Soludo praised the students' demonstration that education is central to Anambra's aspirations and acknowledged the administration's commitment to investing in education to achieve such remarkable outcomes. She also extended her congratulations to the staff and management of St. John Vianney Science College for their dedication to the students' career development. Soludo thanked them for engaging students in transformative academic and personal opportunities that will aid their future success.

The Anambra team, consisting of Chibueze Jennifer, Catherine Obiokafor, Benjamin Eneoli, and Valentine Onwuegbusi, was guided by Mr. John Onuigbo. Their participation and success in the competition have brought pride to their school and the state.