Government Science Secondary School, Tunga Maje, Abuja, has defeated Haliffield Schools, Lagos, in a keenly contested group match at the I Beg to Differ National Debating Championship 2026.
The debate centred on the motion, “Artificial Intelligence Reduces Critical Thinking.”
Haliffield Schools, which argued for the motion, warned that over-reliance on artificial intelligence could encourage cognitive dependency and reduce the mental effort required for analytical thinking.
The Lagos school also raised concerns about automation bias, arguing that users could accept inaccurate or fabricated AI-generated information without proper verification.
Government Science Secondary School, which opposed the motion, argued that artificial intelligence should be viewed as a tool that enhances rather than replaces human judgment.
The team maintained that responsible AI use requires users to evaluate, verify and question information.
The Abuja school also compared AI to everyday tools such as pens and calculators, arguing that the way a tool is used depends on the user.
The three-member judging panel unanimously awarded the debate to Government Science Secondary School.
GSSS Tunga Maje scored 68 points from the judges, compared with Haliffield Schools’ 64 points.
The school also won the audience vote, earning 5.5 points to Haliffield’s 4.5 points.
GSSS Tunga Maje therefore finished with 73.5 points, while Haliffield Schools recorded 68.5 points.
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