Co-curricular activities such as public speaking, and quizzes, among others, have been said to boost the critical thinking of learners and also help in no small measure to turn around the dwindling education sector.

Speaking at the State final of the President’s Inter-secondary schools’ debate championship at Abeokuta Grammar School, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye said education as a knowledge enhancer would ensure an individual’s ability to invariable self and societal improvement.

Ogunleye, represented by the Director, Quality Assurance and Teachers’ Development, Mr. Martins Akinsolu noted that the paramount concern of the present administration to sustain the provision of qualitative education coupled with quality assurance would improve the standard of teaching and learning.

“As a responsible government, the paramount concern of this administration is turning around the dwindling education sector. Therefore, the need to sustain the art of public speaking cannot be overemphasized, as a co-curricular activity that boosts students’ oratory skill and as such must be upheld”, she submitted.

In her welcome address, the Director, Education Support System, Mrs. Bamidele Makinde said the competition would help develop critical thinking skills, builds confident public speaking, provide learners the opportunity to explore real-world topics on issues, and also enable them to learn from their peers.

She disclosed that the winners from the State competition would engage other learners from other southwest States before proceeding to the national for the final rounds.