The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) has begun the 2025 edition of its “Head-to-Head School Debate,” a two-week programme designed to reduce the number of out-of-school children and encourage higher enrolment, particularly among girls.
At the launch, FCT-UBEB Chairman Dr. Hassan Suleiman said the initiative places students at the centre of advocacy by tasking them to identify out-of-school peers, report cases to relevant authorities, and spread awareness about the importance of basic education.
He noted that access to education remains “a proven solution to poverty and insecurity,” stressing the need to bridge enrolment gaps across the territory.
This year’s edition features 33 students from 11 schools across the six FCT area councils, who will take part in debates, advocacy training, and outreach campaigns to highlight barriers to education while suggesting practical solutions.
Dr. Jummai Ahmadu, credited with initiating the debate series, said previous editions had already helped drive up enrolment and improve community participation. She expressed hope that the new set of participants would become education ambassadors across the FCT and Nigeria at large.
The debate runs until August 28 at the FCT-UBEB headquarters and is expected to reinforce youth-led advocacy for quality education, with a strong focus on the girl child.
