By Adeyinka Adeniran
Students of Wesley College in Elekuro, Ibadan, emerged winners of the 2024 Inter-Schools Debate organized by the Oyo State office of the National Productivity Centre (NPC) on Thursday.
The debate, supported by Sen. Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South/APC), Sumal Foods, and Better Jollof Eatery, aimed to facilitate positive competition among schools.
Seven out of eight expected schools from Ibadan and its environs participated.
The topic of the debate was “5S Good Housekeeping is More Advantageous than 3R for Productivity Improvement,” following the Productivity Coaching and Mentoring lectures held for the schools.
Wesley College scored 393 points to win the competition, while Loyola College came second with 333 points, and Isebo Community High School finished third with 303 points.
Urban Day Grammar School finished fourth, while Army Barracks Grammar School at Letmauck Barracks and their neighbors Army Day Grammar School were joint fifth.
Awotan/Araromi Community High School (Senior) were seventh, and Sango Community High School failed to turn up for the competition.
After the first round, Wesley, Loyola, Urban Day, and Isebo qualified for a second round, securing the top four positions.
Speaking at the event, NPC Oyo State Coordinator Mrs. Kehinde Adeyemi said the competition has, over the years, helped inculcate productivity consciousness in students, improving their capacity and efficiency.
She disclosed that the competition’s winner would represent Oyo State at the National Productivity Debate in Abuja on a date to be communicated.
Adeyemi commended Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, Sumal Foods, and Better Jollof Eatery for their support.
In his remarks, Senator Alli noted the importance of productivity in the growth and development of any nation.
Alli, who was represented by Dr. Salaudeen Olaide, said that a country willing to be productive must instill productivity culture in its youth.
He said that such productivity culture must be instilled from a young age in the way the programme tends to achieve.
“The programme, if properly executed, will enhance and improve the productivity culture of generations yet unborn and result in robust growth in all spheres of life of the next generation,” he said.
Alli pledged to provide flight tickets for the winners when they head to Abuja for the national finals.
The event featured the presentation of cash prizes and gift items to the participating schools.
Also, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, was ably represented at the event.
