In a powerful demonstration of intellectual engagement and youth advocacy, senior secondary school students in Lagos gathered for a thought-provoking debate at Harmony Hall, Yaba Baptist Church.
The event was organised by The Career Carriers Impact Initiative (CareerCarrierz) in partnership with the Royal Ambassador, Lagos East Baptist Conference Anti-Social Vices Club.
The debate, which focused on the pressing issue of cultism in schools, drew participants from 33 schools across Lagos.
Students passionately debated the topic: “Cultism in Secondary Schools: Who bears greater responsibility — The Government or the family?”
Ambassador Pleni Michael Olayemi Areo, Director of the Lagos East Baptist Conference Royal Ambassadors, delivered the opening address, underscoring the event’s purpose as a platform for raising awareness and calling for decisive action against cultism in schools.
“This debate is more than just a competition; it is a call to action against the growing menace of cultism,” Areo stated.
“By encouraging students to engage in critical discussions, we empower them with the knowledge to resist negative influences and foster a safer, more hopeful future.”
Adedayo Adedolapo, Director at CareerCarrierz, also emphasised the need to equip young minds with the tools to combat societal challenges.
“This initiative goes beyond developing public speaking skills. It’s about instilling core values, fostering critical thinking, and building the confidence needed for students to make informed decisions about their futures,” he explained.
“Career Carrierz, a registered NGO, aims to help young people reach their full potential through a variety of programs. Today’s event combines both a debate and a career development session to help students understand how to shape their futures effectively,” Adedolapo added.
The competition itself saw students from diverse schools passionately defend their positions before a panel of judges comprised of seasoned professionals and educators. Participants were evaluated based on their reasoning, articulation, and ability to construct well-structured, persuasive arguments.
For many of the students, the debate represented more than just a chance to win. Kejero Samuel, Chief Speaker for Baptist Model High School, Agbowa, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “Preparing for this debate has given me deeper insights through extensive research, boosted my confidence, and broadened my understanding of the important issues facing our society,” he said.
The Anti-Social Vices Club, known for its commitment to rescuing young people from the grip of social vices, played a pivotal role in bringing the event to life. The initiative’s structured programs aim to provide young individuals with brighter futures through education and empowerment. The debate, as part of this effort, served not only as a competitive event but also as a powerful platform for personal growth and community involvement.
After a fiercely contested debate, Catherine Booth Senior Secondary School emerged victorious, taking home a cash prize of N1,000,000.
Obele Community Secondary School claimed second place with N500,000, while Movers Private School, who had placed fourth in the previous edition, secured third place and a N300,000 prize.
Itolo Senior Girls High School and Royalty Baptist Academy received consolation prizes of JAMB & WAEC scholarships for securing fourth and fifth places, respectively.
The event sparked important conversations on the need for ongoing engagement with young people, encouraging them to participate in activities that challenge their intellect and decision-making abilities. Organizers announced plans to make the debate an annual fixture, with hopes of expanding its reach to more schools and communities.
“We are confident that initiatives like this will contribute to reducing social vices by keeping students focused on academic excellence and personal development,” said an event organizer.
Ms. Mary Adeyemo, the Founder of CareerCarrierz expressed gratitude to volunteers, judges, teachers, parents and sponsors for their enormous contributions to the success of the CareerCarrierz Senior Secondary School Debate & Career Day.
She emphasised its purpose as a platform for learning, growth, and empowerment.
She said: “Today we challenged perspectives, expanded possibilities, and, most importantly, invested in the future—your future.” She urged students to thereafter engage boldly, seek mentorship, and take charge of their future, closing with a call to students to “learn eagerly, and dream fearlessly.”
