FCT UBEB Turns School Debate into Advocacy to Fight Out-of-School Crisis
The FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) has changed its school debate competition into a movement to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Abuja.
The Head-to-Head Debate Competition helps bring children off the streets and into classrooms. Students become “Ambassadors of Out-of-School Children”, encouraging their peers to return to school. They spread awareness about the importance of free and compulsory education in Nigeria.
Dr. Alhassan Sule, Chairman of FCT UBEB, started the initiative in 2021/2022 with a 13-member committee. In 2023, the program introduced a reality TV format. Out of 82 schools, 10 finalists were chosen. They stayed in a “Reality House” for two weeks of training before the final event. JSS Karu won the competition.
In 2024, the event expanded with support from FCT Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department (RCSI) and partners like Human Rights Radio, Aso Radio, NITDA, NPC, and EFCC. The Reality House provided students with debate and advocacy training. The final event drew 2,500 spectators at the UBEC Digital Resource Center.
JSS Dutse Alhaji 2 won first place. JSS Kubwa 1 and JSS Tudun Fulani came second and third. This program goes beyond debates. It helps students develop skills in science, AI, robotics, and space law.
The 2025 edition will start with a street carnival. 500 students will march through Abuja, chanting “SAY NO TO OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN” to raise awareness.
The Reality House will host 30 students, 10 teachers, and 20 coordinators. A new SMS-based system will let students across Nigeria take part from home.
A journal by FCT UBEB states: “With more children dropping out of school, we need action, not delays. This competition makes students education ambassadors, helping others return to school.”
