Kwara State's efforts to promote quality basic education have been lauded by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) following the state's victory at the President's School Debate Championship held in Abuja.

The winning team comprised 10-year-old Ajibulu Esther of Tanke LGEA School B, Ilorin South; 12-year-old Akanbi Al-Amin of St. Cyprian LGEA Primary School, Offa; 12-year-old Paul Unity of Bishop Smith LGEA School A, Ilorin East; and 12-year-old Abdulrahman Fatimoh of Okesuna LGEA Primary School A, Ilorin East.

This marks the third time Kwara has claimed the prestigious national title.

The founder of WBFA, Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, praised the pupils' achievements, describing their success as a testament to diligence, resilience, and collaboration. She expressed hope that this would inspire the community to pursue excellence in all endeavors.

The statement, signed by the national program manager of WBFA (Kwara office), Mr Kehinde Akinsola, sought partnership with the state government to further promote quality education so that every child in Kwara State and beyond has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and hygienic learning environment.

“We at WBFA are deeply proud of the students, teachers, and administrators who have worked tirelessly to bring this honour to Kwara State,” the statement read.

The organisation, which described the achievement as a testament to dedication, brilliance, and commitment to excellence, said that victory reminds all of the transformative role education plays in shaping confident, healthy, and empowered individuals.

“The Wellbeing Foundation Africa remains steadfast in advocating for approaches like Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHE), combined with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), which provide students with the tools they need to excel not just academically but throughout life.”

Initiatives such as the Wellbeing Foundation Africa Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest Programme & Curriculum foster confidence and well-being, ensuring that every child learns in an environment where health and hygiene are prioritised, creating improved academic, professional, and life outcomes.

The statement, which also commended the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Sheu Adaramaja, for achieving the feat, said that it looked forward to supporting the continuous growth and success of the state government, SUBEB, students, and education stakeholders in the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq also joined the people of the state to celebrate the four public school pupils who won the President's School Debate Championship in Abuja.

The Governor recalled that Kwara had won the trophy for the third time in a row under his watch, underscoring the steady progress in the basic education sector amid the commitment of school leaders, teachers, and parents.

Team Kwara beat Benue State in the finals of the championship, having earlier outperformed many other states in the preliminary rounds.

Governor Abdulrazaq commended the pupils for their feat, which has placed them in the national hall of fame, like their seniors from Kwara, who not only emerged as national champions but went on to compete strongly on the global stage.

“This feat, like the previous ones, serves to strengthen our commitment to continue investing in public school education—the surest way to secure a place for the Kwara child among their peers worldwide.

“These feats reassure us that we are on the right path, and we thank our pupils, teachers, parents, and all stakeholders in the public school system for their hard work and support.

“Specifically, I thank Professor Sheu Raheem Adaramaja and his SUBEB team for their hard work. This, again, is another win for everyone, and we cannot drop the ball,” the governor added.

Governor Abdulrazaq said that he looked forward to seeing the champions at the very top and prayed to God to grant them good health and a long life to live their lofty dreams.