The sixth edition of the New Media Conference (NMC) School Debate Competition ended on a high note as Ansar-Ud-Deen Senior High School emerged overall winner of the intellectually engaging contest held at Obele Community School, Surulere, Lagos.

Hosted by Isabella Adediji, the debate centered on the theme “Signal: Cutting Through the Noise,” a timely topic designed to encourage critical thinking, effective communication, and informed discourse among secondary school students. The event was supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, The SuperGal Support Foundation, OloriSuperGal Media, Lagos Junction Media, Small Chops by Ronny, and Media Room Hub, whose contributions helped make the competition a success.

In her opening address, Oluwatosin Ajibade, Founder of OloriSuperGal Media and Convener of the New Media Conference, challenged the students to become voices of clarity in an increasingly noisy world. “We live in a world that is loud. Every day, you’re surrounded by noise, opinions shouting at you from every screen, trends changing every hour, everyone trying to get your attention,” she said. Emphasizing the significance of the theme, she added, “A signal cuts through. A signal is clear, it’s intentional, and it carries something worth hearing.”

She also reminded participants that the competition was about more than trophies and rankings. “The real victory is that you showed up to think, and you showed up to speak. In a world full of noise, you chose to be a signal.” The atmosphere throughout the competition was vibrant, with students arriving fully prepared and delivering well-researched arguments backed by facts and evidence.

The debate featured two rounds — a five-minute opening round and a three-minute rebuttal round — allowing participants to showcase their analytical thinking, confidence, and public speaking skills.At the end of the competition, Ansar-Ud-Deen Senior High School, represented by Odeyinka Abdulsalam, Azeez Adebukola Aisha, and Lucky Paul Testimony, secured first place and received the championship trophy alongside a ₦300,000 cash prize.

Obele Community Senior High School, represented by Ugwu Chidubem David, Felix Chidinma Glory, and Oyedun Anuoluwapo, finished second, while Gbaja Girls Senior High School, represented by Abowaba Adeyinka Faith, Ajulo Deborah O., and Abdul-Azeez Taiwo Rahmah, claimed third position.

The event concluded with a closing address by Victory Ayomide Dehji, bringing to a successful close another impactful edition of the NMC School Debate Competition. Six years on, the initiative continues to foster leadership, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue among young Nigerians, proving that in a world filled with noise, clear and informed voices still matter.