C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment – a Non-Governmental Organization recently collaborated with the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), Generation Unlimited (GenU), and Rotary Club of Abuja (The Grandfather) to hold an inter-school debate for pupils on pressing global environment issues.
The competitive event, which was organized in commemoration of the 2025 World Environment Day, featured vibrant, intellectual, and stimulating discussions to foster better understanding about the interconnected challenges of the environment demanding urgent global action to mitigate impacts and promote sustainability.
According to a statement by Dr, Chimere May Ohajinwa, Founder of C-Circle, the debate brought together 16 senior secondary schools, including pupils of special needs schools, with over 170 participants from diverse backgrounds – and stakeholders committed to environmental sustainability issues.
“Held in a lush, serene setting adorned with swaying trees, fresh air, nature trails, a calming fountain, and eco-friendly location, the competition created an ideal backdrop for learning, reflection, and environmental appreciation,” Dr. Chimere said.
The event was conducted in two sessions with impactful debate topics including; “Recycling single-use plastics is better than banning them,” in round one, while “Is waste management the responsibility of government or the citizen?” served in the second round.
NewsQuest reports that massive plastic production, which leads to ocean pollution and microplastics that harm marine life and enter food chains, posing ecosystem, and health risks, is at the center of the two major topics of the debate.
Four schools emerged as finalists and proceeded to the second round of the debate competition.
The top-performing schools were; His Excellency International School, Bwari – (First Price), School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada (Second), FunTaj International School (Third), and Government Secondary School, Kubwa (Fourth position).
“In a separate category, the Special Needs Schools debated the topic: “Is our society built to eliminate barriers to social inclusion for people with special needs?”
“This segment provided a unique opportunity for mainstream students to understand the challenges of their special needs peers, promoting empathy, inclusion, and equity,” Dr. Chimere said.
According to the organizers. Other participating schools included Stella Maris College, Life Camp; Government Secondary School(GSS) Kuje (Special needs), Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa; Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa-Maitama; Army Day Secondary School, Asokoro; and several others from across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Experts believe that debate competitions among school pupils are imperative since they foster a wide range of essential skills and personal development.
Bringing the school pupils to understand this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, which underscores the global crisis of plastic waste, remains essential in broadening their intellectual comprehension of global issues.
With over 300 million tons of plastic waste generated globally every year, Nigeria faces its mounting challenge. The country has policies on single-use plastics and solid waste management, but these policies need grassroots support to be effective.
“Engaging young minds is crucial. This is not just a debate. It is a journey to discover voices, ignite critical thinking, and build young leaders who will shape a better tomorrow,” C-Circle Founder, Dr. Chimere said.
According to Dr. Chimere, when children understand environmental policies, they extend that knowledge to their families and communities — effectively spreading awareness and catalyzing action from the bottom up.
One major significance of the UNICEF-facilitated debate is that it provides the students not only with a platform to speak on vital environmental issues but also an opportunity to sharpen their skills in research, public speaking, critical thinking, and networking.
UNICEF’s Skills Development and Youth Empowerment Specialist Mr. Bharat Kundra was represented by Anita Enyekwe, the global organization’s State Facilitator for WASH.
Other special guests at the event included, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General, National Council on Climate Change, Mr. Lawrence Okechukwu, Federal Ministry of Environment, and Dr. George Igbokwe, FCT Secondary School Board.
As Nigeria continues its environmental campaign journey, it is expected that initiatives like this debate competition will bring to the front burner the fact that the solution to plastic pollution and other ecological challenges lies not only in policies but also in people — especially young people.
With the voices of young people now louder and their minds more engaged, these students are poised to become the leaders and advocates Nigeria — and the planet — urgently needs.
