St Anne’s school Ibadan wins APWEN inter-school debate

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, says the state government will continue adopting technology to enhance digital utilisation in schools.

The commissioner stated this on Wednesday during an inter-school debate competition organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Ibadan chapter.

He said that the ministry in an effort to improve educational system, had inaugurated different initiatives in three education categories in the state.

He said that the state government developed “Oyo Shine” to enhance digital utilisation in primary to junior secondary classes while “Collected Learning for STEM” was designed for senior secondary school classes.

He revealed that government had implemented Microsoft educator in tertiary institutions in the state to promote and advance digital utilisation among the students.

He commended APWEN members for championing campaigns against gender barriers and being good examples for every girl student in the state.

The Chairman of APWEN, Ibadan chapter, Mrs Raheemat Adabanija, said one of the many mandates and visions of APWEN was to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among young people.

She added that the debate was organised with the support of Found Africa Technology, CloudWare Technology, and other sponsors.

“We believe that by engaging in such intellectual debates, we not only stimulate critical thinking and public speaking skills but also encourage a deeper understanding of technology’s role in our lives.

“This year, we have celebrated numerous landmark days, including the International Day for Girls in Science, International Women’s Day, and the International Day of the Girl Child, among many others.

“These celebrations reinforce our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for girls and women in STEM,” she said.

The keynote speaker, Miss Toluwanimi Omotoso, a Social Enterprise Coach, advised the students to copy only good vibes on social media and take advantage of opportunities offered by social media to shape their future.

She urged the students to avoid being addicted to social media and see themselves as impact and change maker.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Found Africa Technology, Mr Jide Aboderin, said his organisation partnered with APWEN and Google to launch Digital Officer Programme for Everyone (DOPE) initiative.

He noted that DOPE was designed to provide accessible, engaging, and impactful learning experiences that foster digital literacy, enhance employability, and promote social and economic development.

“DOPE will be launched in the first five selected schools in first quarter of 2025 with the support of Google, United Nations and Oyo State Government.

“The programme will provide digital mobile digital classrooms in each school where students can learn digital skills and build their capacity,” he said.

Supreme News reports that girls from selected schools presented arguments on whether social media is doing more harm than good to the mental health of young people in the society or not.

The theme of the debate is: Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword, Navigating Its Impact on Youths’ Mental Health.

At the end of the competition, St. Anne Grammar School Ibadan emerged winner with 84.8 per cent, followed by St Louis Grammar School Ibadan, with 83.9 per cent.

The third position went to Yejide Girls Grammar School, Ibadan, with 82.1 per. Among other schools that participated in the competition include Orita-Mefa Baptist Model School Ibadan, Derail Academy Ibadan and Isabatudeen school Ibadan.