Grace High School, Lagos, has secured three points in the opening debate of the Nigeria Info I Beg to Differ Season 9 National Finals, defeating Community Secondary School, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State.
The first Group A debate centred on the motion: “One-Term Leadership Strengthens Democracy.”
Grace High School argued for the proposition, while Community Secondary School, Rumuolumeni, took the opposition.
Representing Grace High School were Chief Speaker Success Favour Etopobong and Deputy Speaker Akpan Blessing Eno, both SS3 students aged 16.
Community Secondary School, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, was represented by Chief Speaker Karim Ireoluwa and Deputy Speaker Makun Fikayo, both SS2 students aged 15.
The proposition argued that one-term leadership could prevent the entrenchment of power and reduce the risk of democratic backsliding.
It also maintained that removing re-election pressures would reduce campaign-related corruption and encourage leaders to focus on policies and a lasting legacy.
The opposition countered that single-term leadership weakens electoral accountability by denying voters the opportunity to reward good leaders at the polls.
It argued that major infrastructure and institutional reforms often require more than one term to deliver lasting results.
Grace High School emerged victorious with a final score of 79.3 points, against Community Secondary School’s 71.2 points.
The audience vote also favoured the proposition, with Grace High School receiving 57 per cent, while Community Secondary School polled 43 per cent.
The debate was adjudicated by International Debate Coach Ayafa Tonye, who served as Chief Judge, alongside Joy Hadome and Ama Bassey.
With the victory, Grace High School now has three points in Group A and will face two more schools in the first round of the national competition.
The Season 9 National Finals feature 16 secondary schools competing for the championship title and a ₦5 million prize.
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