Champions Speak: Square College Student Debaters Share Insights on Learning and Excellence

Fresh off their remarkable victory at the Season 9 I Beg to Differ Debate Competition on Nigeria Info 99.3FM, three outstanding students, Boluwatife Amoo, Onyinye Maduagwu, and Chimamanda Anyanwu, are not only celebrating a win, but also reflecting on the journey, lessons, and growth that came with it.

The trio distinguished themselves through sharp reasoning, confident delivery, and impressive teamwork, emerging as champions in a competition that continues to spotlight the intellectual strength of young Nigerians. Beyond the applause and recognition, their experience reveals the deeper impact of debating on academic development, critical thinking, and personal confidence.

In this special feature, the students share their thoughts on what they learned, how they prepared, and how the experience has shaped their approach to education and future ambitions. Their responses offer valuable insight and inspiration for other young learners striving for excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Amoo Boluwatife (Chief Speaker)

Year 11

1. How does it feel to be crowned winners of Season 9 of the debate competition?

. It honestly feels amazing and a bit surreal. We’re really proud of ourselves because we know how much effort we put in, and it feels good to see it all pay off.

2. What was going through your minds when the winners were announced?

 When the winners were announced, I was actually in shock at first. My heart was racing, and I kept thinking, “Did they really just call our school?” Then it turned into pure excitement.

3. Can you describe your journey from the beginning of the competition to the final round?

 Our journey wasn’t easy. From the auditions were we thought we were late, then getting there to be on our feet for almost the whole time. To the first round, where we faced really strong teams, and each stage got more competitive. We had to keep improving, learning from feedback, and pushing ourselves until we got to the final.

4. Which debate topic was the most challenging, and how did you tackle it?

 The most challenging topic was the one about AI not making humans intellectually lazy. It required deep thinking and strong evidence, so we had to do a lot of research and really understand both perspectives before building our arguments.

5. How did you prepare as a team for this competition?

 We prepared by practicing almost every day. We researched different topics, held mock debates, and corrected each other. Our coach also guided us and helped us refine our points and delivery.

6. What role did teamwork play in your success?

 Teamwork played a huge role in our success. We supported each other, shared ideas, and made sure everyone understood the arguments. Even when one person was tired, the others kept the energy up.

7. Was there any moment you felt nervous or unsure? How did you overcome it?

 Yes, especially before the final round. We were nervous because the stakes were high. But we encouraged each other, stayed focused, and reminded ourselves of all the preparation we had done.

8. What unique strengths did each of you bring to the team?

 Each of us had different strengths, Chimamanda was really good at research, Boluwatife was good at speaking confidently, and Onyinyechi was good at quick rebuttals. Combining those strengths made us stronger as a team

9. Who inspired or motivated you throughout this journey?

 My coach, teachers, and even my parents really motivated us. They believed in me and kept encouraging me, even when things were tough.

10. What skills have you gained from participating in this debate?

 I have gained a lot of skills like public speaking, critical thinking, confidence, teamwork, and how to think quickly under pressure.

11. What advice would you give to other students who want to compete in debates?

 I’d advise other students to practice consistently, stay confident, and not be afraid of making mistakes. Also, always be open to learning and improving.

12. What are your future goals after this achievement?

 After this, I want to keep improving my skills, represent my school at higher levels, and maybe even pursue careers that involve speaking.

Maduagwu Onyinye (Rebuttal speaker/Assistant Speaker)

Year 9 Student.

1.It feels surreal. From the round of 32 all the way to the finals, late nights researching something I never thought I would be concerned with. Trying to understand my opponents’ points of view to be able to properly refute their points while still trying to recollect my own points is extremely tasking. I am so glad to be a regional finalist.

2.My heart was racing. Was all the hard work going to waste? And then they called our names, and I took a breath of relief. It paid off.

3.My journey has been a journey of growth. From the round of 32 to the finals, I could see major improvements in my clarity and delivery. There is still plenty of room for growth and improvement, but I'm proud that I was able to hear that bell and do what I came to do.

4.I would say it was "economic growth is meaningless without social welfare." It was a very nuanced topic that required a certain level of understanding of the global economy and socio-economic structures to be able to argue. My team and I had to do a lot of research to try to see where my opponents would come from and also try to understand exactly what I was arguing, so I wouldn't accidentally agree with my opponents. We tackled it together as a team; everyone brought in a unique idea or perspective, and Mr. Segun brought facts, so many facts.

5.Collaboration, synergy, and mutual respect for each other and our ideas, we were able to develop strong points, and when we would go home, the next day someone would propose a new angle or a possible refute. That was the backbone of our preparation process.

6.Our teachers guided us and encouraged us to think and develop ideas independently before we refined them. We supported each other through every step of the way with constant reassurances. One thing that always made me smile is when someone would say "if we win," then Bolu would instantly correct them and say, "When we win." That thought at the back of my mind, and knowing that these people had my back, is what teamwork is all about. Teamwork and a strong plan, that's all it takes to win.

7.Every single minute until the winners were announced, I was constantly unsure, but once you hear "your time starts now," you have to put all your nerves aside to the best of your ability and trust your points and yourself. Setting my fears aside and being confident that I was well prepared was how I made it. I wouldn't say I have overcome it, but I'm still growing, still learning, and still overcoming.

8.Bolu brought in the punchy deliveries. Her openings were phenomenal, and her closings were no less. Amanda firmly supported us through every step, helping develop new points. Sometimes I would forget the refute I planned, then I'd remember what Amanda said, and I would say that instead. I brought in a little bit of diction coaching as well as refutes.

9.I was inspired by my spirit of competitiveness and motivated by my family, my friends, and my amazing team.

10.Confidence and improved argumentation skills. Now no one in my house wants to argue with me. They say, "Relax, does this look like 'I beg to differ' to you?" and I just start laughing.

11.Trust yourself. You can. Don't worry about your opponents’ demeanour. Don't let your nerves get in the way of you achieving greatness. Understand your topic, know it like the back of your hand. When the time comes, the words just flow out. Even if you get stuck, keep pushing. Do not dwell on your mistake; keep going, find the cause, and work towards fixing it later.

12.I want to continue speaking publicly, and I want to keep stepping outside of my comfort zone because that's the only way to grow. I also want to be on TV again.

Chimamanda' Anyanwu (Support)

Year 11 

1. Honestly, it feels good 

2. I was super confident, fear seeped in for a few seconds, but when the words square college echoed round the room, I was ecstatic 

3. The first debate felt like a walkover. The second was a bit more intense. I wasn't even sure we'd make it past there, but we did. Everything else after that didn't seem too difficult 

4. To me, the most challenging topic was Economic growth is meaningless without social welfare because finding the points were pretty hard and it was easy to miss your way and oppose the motion, but after finding facts it gets easier 

5. I fed my teammates with moral support and tried my best to ease the tension when the room felt too cold. Equally practice everyday and endless research 

6. Teamwork made the load more bearable. Oftentimes, when someone felt tired or drained, we lifted each other up

7. Most definitely, I was nervous all the time. I just closed my eyes and hoped for the best

8. Bolu was confident and strategical, onyinye was good at quick rebuttals, and I tried my best when it came to research

9. My mother and my teammate boluwatife 

10. I have learnt how to handle stress and deal with surprises 

11. Do not do vigorous practice on the day of the debate, just be calm and collected 

12. After this debate, I aspire to put myself out there more and go for more competitions

#UTVAfrica#