Government College Ibadan's (GCI) 1991 September Set recently hosted its annual essay writing and debate competition, highlighting the intellectual capabilities of its students. The event took place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, organized by the Set's Educational Committee, and saw enthusiastic participation from both junior and senior students.

The essay competition, centered on the topic 'Unemployment will increase with the rising use of AI,' began promptly at 8:46 AM in the Languages Department. Mr. S.O. Olatunji, Principal of GCI Senior School, welcomed the attendees warmly, praising their commitment to organizing such initiatives. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and encouraged students to excel not only in competitions but also in their overall academic endeavors.

David Olayiwola (9114, Field), Secretary of the 1991 September Set's Educational Committee, expressed gratitude to the school management for their steadfast support. He assured participants of the fairness of the essay marking process, which was conducted by external evaluators.

The debate, a key highlight of the event, began at 10:54 AM, featuring two junior schools passionately discussing the topic 'AI in Education: Enhancing Learning or Diminishing Human Mental Capacity.' The spirited exchange of ideas showcased the students' critical thinking and oratory skills.

After an engaging session, Junior School 1 emerged victorious, led by main speaker Awosanya Emmanuel. In a surprising twist, the supporting speakers outperformed the main speakers from both sides. Megai David Chukwuemeka from Junior School 1 was named the overall best debater, followed by his teammate Jacob Joel, while Odetayo Bobola from Junior School 2 took third place.

Mr. S.O. Oladokun encouraged students to strive for excellence and underscored the importance of thorough preparation. He urged trainers to assess participants carefully to select the best candidates for competitions.

In his closing remarks, David Olayiwola invited students to explore topics related to sustainable development goals, offering them a chance to be featured in the school's publication, 'The Rock Magazine.'

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including alumni like Niyi Otunuga (9336, Grier) and Oyekola Muraina (9106, Grier), as well as school faculty and administrative staff.

The judging panel, composed of members from the English arm of the Languages Department and led by Chief Judge Mrs. Sobo, ensured fair evaluations of participants' performances.

In his vote of thanks, Oyekola Muraina expressed appreciation to all attendees, highlighting the event's success and significance.

Overall, the essay writing and debate competition not only showcased the academic talents of GCI students but also fostered critical thinking and public speaking skills, setting a high standard for future competitions.