St. John Vianney Science College wins UK-Nigeria debate, tops elite UK, Nigerian schools.
Anambra students shine globally as competition boosts ties, showcases rising academic talent.
St. John Vianney Science College, a secondary school based in Ukwulu, Anambra State, has achieved a remarkable feat by emerging as the overall winner of the inaugural UK-Nigeria Debate Competition, defeating top schools from both Nigeria and the United Kingdom in a display of intellectual excellence and articulate reasoning.
The competition, which was held virtually on June 19, 2025, brought together elite institutions from both countries, aiming to foster cross-cultural exchange, critical thinking, and global citizenship through competitive public speaking. The event showcased not only academic excellence but also the growing influence and competitiveness of Nigerian schools on the global stage.
From Nigeria, four schools were selected to participate in the prestigious contest: Britarch Schools and Sure Start School, both based in Abuja; St. Augustine’s College, located in Jos; and St. John Vianney Science College, representing Anambra State.
Representing the United Kingdom were reputable institutions, including Maghull High School, Central Foundation Girls’ School, and Shireland High School, all of which brought strong debate backgrounds and international exposure into the tournament.
The preliminary rounds were marked by intense intellectual exchanges, with participants debating a range of global, social, and ethical issues. Topics ranged from climate change and digital transformation to education reform and international diplomacy.
Despite stiff competition, St. John Vianney Science College advanced steadily through the rounds. In a particularly impressive performance, they defeated both Maghull High School and Central Foundation Girls’ School, two well-regarded UK institutions, showcasing not only strong oratory skills but also the depth of their research and argumentation techniques.
The final round of the competition turned out to be an all-Nigerian affair, with St. John Vianney facing off against St. Augustine’s College, Jos. The match was fiercely contested, with both sides demonstrating clarity of thought, sharp rebuttals, and persuasive delivery.
In the end, the Ukwulu-based school emerged victorious, earning the coveted title of UK-Nigeria Debate Champions and bringing pride to their local community, their state, and Nigeria as a whole. Their win was described by organizers and observers as a testament to the rising standard of education and public speaking in Nigerian schools.
Educators and policy stakeholders have hailed the victory as an encouraging sign of Nigeria’s potential on the global academic scene, particularly in areas such as speech, debate, and intellectual diplomacy. The event has also sparked renewed calls for investment in extracurricular development programs, especially in secondary schools, to nurture the kind of talent that made this international victory possible.
The success of the competition has laid the groundwork for what many hope will become a long-running annual tradition, designed to deepen educational ties between Nigeria and the UK. Organizers have also indicated plans to expand the scope of future editions to include more countries across Africa and Europe, further amplifying their global reach.
St. John Vianney Science College’s win has also captured the attention of the Anambra State Government and the broader educational community, with praise pouring in from various quarters. Social media has been abuzz with celebratory messages, while school administrators expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to continue building on this historic achievement.
