—Foundation awards N200,000 scholarships to four students after debate

The Whizdom Empowerment Foundation has awarded N200,000 in education scholarships to four secondary school students who emerged finalists at the second edition of its Heroes Read Debate Project in Abuja.

The students, Raimi Excel, Ibiyomi Peter, Ochotukpo Faithful and David Sharon, received N50,000 each at the grand finale held at the Nelson Mandela Hall, African Child College, Kubwa, Abuja.

Excel emerged the Best Speaker, while Peter, Faithful and Sharon came second, third and fourth respectively.

The competition, which attracted more than 200 students and attendees, was organised to promote reading, critical thinking and effective communication among secondary school students.

The 2026 edition was held under the theme, “The Rise of Anti-Intellectualism and Its Effect on the Gen-Z Generation.”
The foundation said the competition provided the participants with an opportunity to research issues, develop arguments, challenge assumptions and defend their positions before an audience.

The debate began on September 12 with two motions: “Academic excellence is the most important factor in determining a student’s future success” and “A student’s academic success depends more on the quality of the teacher than on the student’s own effort.”

Eight students who distinguished themselves in the opening round progressed to the second stage held on September 19.

They debated the motion, “Natural talent is more important than hard work in achieving academic success,” before four finalists emerged.

At the grand finale on September 26, the finalists tackled four contemporary issues bordering on parental involvement in education, examinations as measures of intelligence, early internet exposure and academic performance, and the influence of mainstream entertainment on the intellectual growth of Generation Z.
The foundation said the Heroes Read project was established in response to concerns over the declining reading culture and reduced interest in critical inquiry among young people.

It also expressed concern about the influence of social media sensationalism and anti-intellectual content on young people’s engagement with complex ideas and societal issues.

According to the organisation, the project is intended to equip participants with skills in critical thinking, research, leadership and public speaking.

“The Heroes Read Project is ultimately about giving young people the confidence and tools to think deeply, ask better questions and engage the world around them,” the foundation said.

It added that encouraging young people to read, think critically and communicate responsibly would help strengthen their educational outcomes and leadership capacity.

The foundation commended African Child College, Abuja, for hosting the event and acknowledged the support of its sponsors, including the Inclusive Friends Association, Our POV and Bluezest.

It also recognised the facilitators and judges from the Pan-African University Debating Championship for their contributions to the project.

The Whizdom Empowerment Foundation, founded in 2020 and incorporated in 2025, is a non-governmental organisation based in Abuja and focused on the social, mental and educational development of children and young adults.