Fountain School secured the top position in Group D of the I Beg To Differ Secondary School Debate after Heritage Group of Schools did not participate in the final group encounter. The Abuja school advanced alongside 11 other institutions to the Round of 12 following a competitive eight-day tournament.
The Group D Walkover and Heritage School’s Absence
In the final Group D match, Fountain School from Jikwoyi, Abuja, prepared to face Heritage Group of Schools from Lagos. However, Heritage chose not to participate because the school had not secured a win during earlier group stage matches.
With their opponents absent, Fountain School presented its arguments uncontested. The team defended the proposition that Homework Improves Academic Performance
to an adjudication panel.
The Abuja debaters maintained that properly assigned homework reinforces classroom learning, strengthens memory and understanding, develops discipline and independent study habits, and prepares students for examinations and future responsibilities. They also argued that criticisms regarding stress, reduced leisure time, cheating, and inequality stem from poor implementation rather than the concept itself, suggesting that stronger educational support and supervision resolve those challenges.
Standing and Scores From the National Finals
Fountain School claimed the group victory by walkover, finishing at the top of Group D with nine points. Square College secured second place, while Pleioma International School finished third.
Both teams debated the motion Local Governments Deserve Greater Autonomy.
“Local Governments Deserve Greater Autonomy.”
Tournament motion, via Nigeria Info FM
Representing Silverbird International School from Port Harcourt, Emmanuela John Bull and Sonia Chisom argued that local councils are better positioned to identify and respond to community challenges. They pointed to existing duties like primary healthcare, local roads, markets, and sanitation, contending that excessive central control over administrative and financial matters delays essential services in rural areas.
Opposing the motion, Uche Anigo and Esther Ojotule Abah of Fountain School argued that transferring additional political and financial power without resolving underlying institutional weaknesses would create further governance challenges. The Abuja team highlighted weak internally generated revenue, low voter participation in local elections, and inadequate accountability mechanisms, arguing that local councils must improve their capacity and credibility before receiving expanded powers.
Adjudication Breakdown and Public Voting
The adjudication panel awarded Fountain School 72 points out of 90, compared to 64.5 points for Silverbird International. In the live public vote, Fountain School received 73 per cent of the votes, while Silverbird International secured 27 per cent. Combined scoring yielded a final tally of 79.3 points for Fountain School against 67.2 points for Silverbird International.
| Team | Panel Score (out of 90) | Public Vote Share | Final Tally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fountain School | 72.0 | 73 per cent | 79.3 |
| Silverbird International School | 64.5 | 27 per cent | 67.2 |
Tournament Structure and Upcoming Knockout Schedule
The conclusion of group competition transitions the tournament into its knockout phase. Twelve schools have advanced to the Round of 12, which is scheduled across Monday and Tuesday. Each day features three debates, with winners advancing directly to the quarterfinals alongside one best-performing losing team from each day. The quarterfinals are slated to begin on Wednesday, followed by the semifinals and final rounds.
Across the eight days of the group stage, student participants addressed diverse topics covering democracy, morality, poverty, governance, and education. With the tournament progressing from group standings into direct elimination, every upcoming match carries immediate consequences for advancement.
