In a resounding victory that has earned national pride and global acclaim, a team of outstanding students from Delta State has emerged as World Debate Champions at a prestigious international competition held in Doha, Qatar.

Beating teams from advanced nations and elite institutions, their triumph goes beyond a trophy – it is a powerful endorsement of the rising educational standards in Delta State, made possible by the visionary leadership and sustained investments of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The competition featured intensive debates on global policy, governance, ethics, and climate action. The students, who are from public secondary schools in Delta, distinguished themselves with their confidence, eloquence, and critical thinking. They challenged established narratives and offered well-reasoned, practical solutions with composure and intellectual depth.

The victorious team include: Wisdom Chukwuma of Government College, Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area; Otovo Uyoyou of Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area; Abraham Honour of Okpaka Secondary School, Okpaka, Ughelli South Local Government Area; Ikhamateh Splendour of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area; and Alika Daniel of Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

Ikhamateh Splendour was named Overall Best Debater of the competition. Their achievement underscores what determination, quality mentorship, and consistent government support can deliver; a shining example of youth potential nurtured through strategic educational investment.

Governor Oborevwori congratulated the students, describing their triumph as a proud moment for Nigeria and a testament to Delta’s growing profile as a centre of academic excellence. He praised their discipline and brilliance, noting that their success underscored the impact of his administration’s investments in education under the MORE Agenda. He also celebrated Ikhamateh Splendour’s individual recognition as a shining reflection of the “Delta Can-Do Spirit.”

This victory symbolises a broader transformation in Delta State’s education sector, driven by the MORE Agenda — Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security. At the heart of this agenda is the belief in education as a powerful tool for equipping the next generation to compete and thrive on the global stage.

Since taking office on May 29, 2023, Oborevwori has deepened and expanded education sector reforms, focusing on modern infrastructure and elevated academic standards. A key element has been the state’s strategic collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

By consistently meeting counterpart funding obligations, Delta State has attracted billions of naira in Federal Government support, which has been used to renovate classrooms, construct new school blocks, equip laboratories, and introduce digital learning technologies.

In June 2025, the State Executive Council approved the release of N6.7 billion as counterpart funding to access UBEC grants. According to the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, this funding aligns with the goals of the MORE Agenda to enhance infrastructure and human capital development.

The Oborevwori administration has also prioritised teacher’s training and welfare, equipping educators with 21st-century teaching methods while boosting morale and performance. These efforts have fostered an enabling environment where talents like the debate champions can thrive – nurtured through school clubs, local contests, and quiz competitions actively promoted by the state.

The transformation is not limited to basic education. Delta’s higher education sector has seen robust growth, building on the foundation laid by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. The state now boasts four public universities: Delta State University, Abraka; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro, with a new campus at Orerokpe.

Oborevwori has approved the expansion of academic programmes at Southern Delta University and its Orerokpe campus, including professional courses in engineering, medical sciences, Information Technology (IT), and business development. This expansion increases access to quality education, especially for rural students.

Additionally, the state supports students through bursaries, scholarships, and grants, ensuring that indigent but talented students are not denied opportunities. These initiatives are now producing results, not just in local examinations, but on global platforms like the Qatar debate victory.

The performance of the Delta team has been widely praised by educationists and policy analysts who see it as evidence of what is possible when leadership aligns with vision. The governor hailed them as “true ambassadors of Delta’s excellence,” embodying discipline, resilience, and intellectual courage.

“This victory belongs to every teacher, parent, and school administrator committed to shaping our children,” he said, adding, “we are building a Delta where knowledge is power, and our youth can dream beyond borders.”

The governor’s remarks underscore his broader goal: To raise a generation of global thinkers and innovators who will drive Delta’s transformation. With effective educational reforms, digital learning, and youth-focused programmes, Delta is steadily becoming a hub of academic excellence.

Parents, community leaders, and residents have expressed pride in the students’ success, viewing it as a symbol of hope and proof that good governance delivers enviable results. In a time often clouded by negative news, this story shines as a beacon of promise and potential.

Ultimately, the triumph of the Delta debate team is a story of a great vision meeting opportunity to yield elating results. It proves that excellence is cultivated, inspired, and supported. In Wisdom, Uyoyou, Abraham, Splendour, and Daniel, Delta State has not only found champions, it has discovered the voice of its future, now echoing across the world for good cause.