Pleroma International School Defeats Halifield Schools in IBTD Debate

The Monday evening debate centred on the motion, “NYSC should be replaced with mandatory one-year military service.”

Pleroma, represented by 15-year-old Temidara Akeju Wemimo and 13-year-old Michelle Oluchi Uzoma, argued in favour of replacing the National Youth Service Corps with mandatory military service.

The Port Harcourt school argued that Nigeria’s security challenges require a new approach to national service, saying military training could equip young Nigerians with skills in emergency response, crisis management, cyber security, logistics and medical support.

Halifield, represented by 15-year-old Folajim Falobi and 13-year-old Yasmina Oshinowo, opposed the motion and defended the NYSC scheme.

The Lagos school argued that corps members continue to play important roles in sectors such as education and healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

Halifield also argued that compulsory military service could infringe on constitutional rights and that Nigeria’s security challenges should be addressed through better intelligence and security systems rather than the militarisation of civilian graduates.

Pleroma secured a unanimous victory from the three-member judging panel, finishing with 73.5 points against Haliffield’s 68.5 on the judges’ scorecards.

Although Halifield won the public vote with 61 percent against Pleroma’s 39 percent, the Port Harcourt school retained the lead in the combined score, finishing with 77.4 points to Haliffield’s 74.6.

The victory further strengthens Pleroma International School’s position in Group C as the national finals tournament progresses.