Growing up, participating and attending debates were a norm, right from the primary school.

I recall the day I blanked out at the Local Government Secretariat with the LG Chairman in attendance. I goofed big time, but I'm better off today. (You sef share your experiences below).

From the nomination process to the preparation, preliminary rounds, local governments rounds and state levels, school debates were always moments to expect and explore.

However, over the past 20 years, I haven't noticed much of such socio-academic activity. I had concluded that the debate culture in primary and secondary schools (perhaps nationally) had died in the country.

But guess what! This month - March 2022 - has been intriguing with a good line-up of student debates. Thanks to Nigeria Info Lagos, Paystack, Printivo, RLG, Obywezy and other partners I can't remember. NB: This is NOT a promotional piece. I don't know any of the organisers nor partners. But I think it's noteworthy to mention them, cos without their support the show would not be aired.

I have been wowed by the display of intellectual sagacity and eloquence by a crop of Secondary School students in Lagos who have been participating in the 'I Beg To Differ' debate challenge on Nigerian Info, Lagos.

Some have been exceptionally starling, while others tried to get along. In all, I am wowed by their foundation and what they can individually achieve in life given their mental state.

Do you think the culture of debate is dying or already dead in Nigeria?

What can be done to resuscitate this important culture for social development?

Cc
Lalasticlala
mynd.44

I wonder too o. The days of junior debate. I plan to resurrect it with prizes the exact same way it was when we were kids. Debating is just one, however JETS? I'm shocked that JETS has practically died in Nigeria.

Thanks to debating culture I learnt earlier in life. Till today, everyone would say about me, make una no let am open mouth. The moment i'm allowed to speak, it is finished. I knock out everything with words completely. God bless our early days

tolajay:
Growing up, participating and attending debates were a norm, right from the primary school.

I recall the day I blanked out at the Local Government Secretariat with the LG Chairman in attendance. I goofed big time, but I'm better off today. (You sef share your experiences below).

From the nomination process to the preparation, preliminary rounds, local governments rounds and state levels, school debates were always moments to expect and explore.

However, over the past 20 years, I haven't noticed much of such socio-academic activity. I had concluded that the debate culture in primary and secondary schools (perhaps nationally) had died in the country.

But guess what! This month - March 2022 - has been intriguing with a good line-up of student debates. Thanks to Nigeria Info Lagos, Paystack, Printivo, RLG, Obywezy and other partners I can't remember. NB: This is NOT a promotional piece. I don't know any of the organisers nor partners. But I think it's noteworthy to mention them, cos without their support the show would not be aired.

I have been wowed by the display of intellectual sagacity and eloquence by a crop of Secondary School students in Lagos who have been participating in the 'I Beg To Differ' debate challenge on Nigerian Info, Lagos.

Some have been exceptionally starling, while others tried to get along. In all, I am wowed by their foundation and what they can individually achieve in life given their mental state.

Do you think the culture of debate is dying or already dead in Nigeria?

What can be done to resuscitate this important culture for social development?

Cc
Lalasticlala
mynd.44

Those days... Representing your class or school was the hallmark of brilliancy!!!
Things have changed alot... Only few private schools get to do that now and most times, they stick to quiz

Those debate and Jet club really helped me.
Upon say I follow for bad boys, I go always prepare for competition so that my niggas go hail me when I come back victorious.
That time make I no just find out say you dey Universities and you come holiday. You go teach maths and chemistry tire.
E get one show wey dem been dey do for NTA that year, (quiz) Mumsi go carry cane as them ask question we must attempt to answer or na flog.
Some boys dey see me run
I have not heard pupils talk about debate of recent.

I love Debating.

Interesting to read of your experience and interest in resuscitating the debating culture.

Depending on the amount of resources you're willing to commit to the cause, you reach out to a local school in your community or bigger level like radio stations.

I presume there are NGOs who are involved in organising public speaking and debating in schools as well.

Well done!

DoctorOlasDesk:
I wonder too o. The days of junior debate. I plan to resurrect it with prizes the exact same way it was when we were kids. Debating is just one, however JETS? I'm shocked that JETS has practically died in Nigeria.

Thanks to debating culture I learnt earlier in life. Till today, everyone would say about me, make una no let am open mouth. The moment i'm allowed to speak, it is finished. I knock out everything with words completely. God bless our early days

Yes ooo.

Na so your shoulder pad and popularity go dey inflate, anyhow.

Those moments really shaped our public engagement and other skills.

dawnomike:
Those days... Representing your class or school was the hallmark of brilliancy!!!
Things have changed alot... Only few private schools get to do that now and most times, they stick to quiz

Watching debates in school was always the best time to catch up on lost sleep. All the debates which happen here daily have made what impact in the real world? It is a pointless activity I’ve never seen the need for.