Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has rewarded five students from the state who emerged victorious at the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, with ₦1 million each and announced a full educational scholarship up to university level for the team captain.
The governor hosted the students at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia on Saturday, October 24, 2026, where he celebrated their achievement and commended their performance on the international stage.
The team, comprising Esther Christian Chinweotitom, Chikodi Maureen, Akamnonu Franklin, Ifeanyichukwu Prisca and Simon Divine, represented Nigeria at the competition under the Presidential School Debate Nigeria initiative.
As part of the reward package, Otti approved ₦1 million for each of the five students and ₦1.75 million for their school, Abia Model Basic Junior Secondary School, Abayi Umuocham, in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area.
The governor also approved ₦750,000 each for officials and coaches who accompanied and prepared the team. In addition, Onyinyechi Okonkwo of Ovom Girls Secondary School received ₦1 million after winning a national essay competition.
Team captain Esther Christian Chinweotitom, 15, was awarded a full scholarship through the Alex Otti Foundation to support her education up to university level. During the reception, Esther reportedly became emotional while reflecting on the loss of her father when she was four years old.
Moved by her story, the governor offered words of encouragement, saying, “Because you lost your dad when you were four, today you have another dad.”
The students reportedly competed against teams from several countries, including the Philippines, Jordan, India and Qatar, before securing their place among the championship’s top performers.
The team received multiple honours, including Best International School Debate Team, Overall Best Team in the Junior Category, Best Leadership Award and Best Debater Award, alongside 12 individual medals and other distinctions.
The competition was coordinated by Vocara Institute and hosted by QatarDebate Centre at Georgetown University in Doha. Reports on the event indicated that more than 84 teams from eight countries participated.
Speaking during the reception, Otti described the achievement as a reflection of the intellectual potential of Abia students and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to recognising excellence.
“This is in the DNA of Abia State. We celebrate people. When you do well, we celebrate you,” the governor said.
He also approved the team’s request to represent Nigeria at the 2027 edition of the championship.
According to the governor’s media adviser, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the students’ success reflects the administration’s efforts to strengthen public education in Abia State.
The recognition has placed a spotlight on the achievements of public school students and the importance of investment in education, mentorship and opportunities for young people to compete internationally.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
