RismadarVoice Reporters
October 25, 2026
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has awarded a full educational scholarship through university level to 15-year-old Esther Christian, captain of the Nigerian team that won the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar.
The scholarship, to be funded through the Alex Otti Foundation, was announced on Saturday during a reception for the victorious students at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.
Christian, who lost her father at the age of four, was among five Abia public school students who represented Nigeria at the international competition.
Otti said the foundation would take responsibility for her education, making an exception to its usual arrangement of admitting beneficiaries at the undergraduate level.
The governor also awarded ₦1 million each to the five debate champions in recognition of their achievements.
Additionally, Onyinyechi Okonkwo of Ovom Girls Secondary School received ₦1 million for winning a national essay competition.
Three education officials involved in the team’s participation were awarded ₦750,000 each, while the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lydia Onuoha, received ₦1 million.
Abia Model Junior Secondary School, which produced the debate champions, was also awarded ₦1.75 million.
Congratulating the students, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving public education through infrastructure development, teacher training and expanded learning opportunities.
He also approved the team’s request to participate in the 2027 edition of the international debate competition.
Earlier, Onuoha said the students distinguished themselves among more than 84 competing teams, winning four major trophies and 12 medals.
Their achievements included Best International School Debate Team, Overall Best Team in the Junior Category, Best Debater and Best Leadership awards.
She explained that contestants were required to prepare arguments on impromptu topics within 15 minutes during the final rounds.
The competition brought together participants from several countries, including Jordan, India, Qatar, the Philippines and Kenya.
Representatives of education agencies and parents commended the students for their performance and acknowledged the support provided by the state government.
Speaking on behalf of her teammates, Christian expressed appreciation to the governor, education officials and coaches who supported their participation.
She pledged that the students would continue working to achieve further academic success and represent Abia State and Nigeria positively.
The reception featured the presentation of trophies, medals and certificates to the students and their accompanying officials.
