Students win millions of cash from school debate 

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By Akpan David, Calabar

Several Secondary School students in Cross River State  have won financial prizes running into several millions of Naira after academic debate and Quiz  Competition, spoken word performances, and cultural displays in Calabar. 

Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School won the quiz category, while Government Secondary School, Adiabo emerged as the overall best-performing school, receiving a ₦2 million project funding award. 

On the individual category, Atonyire Joshua Ikwenji of Government Secondary School, Shikpeche in Obanliku Local Government Area emerged as the best-performing WAEC student in the state, clinching the ₦250,000 grand prize.

Master  Eminence Emmanuel Edem  from Government Secondary School,  Adiabo,  Tinapa,  in Odukpani local government area emerged first position with a cash prize of N1,000,000, a scholarship, a laptop  and many more gifts.

The winner of the spoken word performance received ₦150,000, while every participating student went home with a ₦10,000 consolation prize.

The event was tagged Statewide Student Academic-Thon Challenge organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the State Planning Commission, and other key education stakeholders by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Advocacy.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Advocacy,  Dr. Abasiofiok Akpabio described the initiative as more than just a competition.

“This is a journey of excellence aimed at unearthing academic brilliance. The programme will provide students with an opportunity to showcase their intellectual might. 

“Our vision is clear—to revive academic excellence, redirect our students toward intellectual pursuits, and discover hidden talents.”

Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, lauded the participants for their dedication and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to positioning Cross River as a beacon of academic excellence.

The acting vice Chancellor of the University of  Cross River State,  UNICROSS,  Professor Francisca Bassey,  emphasized the need for parents and teachers to  crate an environment conducive  for students to study,  and to be a good legacy the students will  emulate.