The Ilorin Grammar School (IGS) edged Ilorin Comprehensive High School in an inter-school debate competition organized to further sensitize teenage girls on participation in governance and encourage them to be vocal.
The debate, which took place at the IGS premises was on the topic: Women Participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and Genuine Democracy in Nigeria.
After representatives of both schools argued for and against, the judges pronounced IGS winner of the competition with 52.7% while ICHS garnered 47.3%.
Former Kwara state Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NUFAT Foundation, organizer of the competition, Dr. Asiat Ayinke Saka, said it was organized to train girls in public school to be vocal and know their worth because they are essential as leaders of tomorrow.
The Principal of Ilorin Grammar School, Mrs. Abdullahi Iyabo commended representatives of both schools for their performance, but noted that they can get better with time.
She further noted that the contest is not just for the prize but the import of the message.
She also noted that most parents prefer to enroll their children in private schools due to the perception of the lack of effectiveness in public schools.
However, she believes the lack of motivation from the Government is a major factor in the lack of effectiveness in public schools.
The principal, Ilorin Comprehensive High School, Mr. Abubakar Abdulrasheed, while reacting to the preference for private schools by parents said the difference between private and public schools is the commitment.
He therefore charged the government, other stakeholders and even students to do more.
The event was part of the Women Voice and Leadership Project, WVL, organized by NUFAT Foundation, sponsored by Global Affairs Canada and ActionAids Nigeria.
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