Students of Square College Lekki have emerged winners of the second regional finals of the “I Beg to Differ” Season 9 debate competition, securing the top prize of ₦3 million after a strong showing in the final round.
The winning team, Boluwatife Amoo and Oyinyechi Maduagwu, scored a total of 136.5 points to beat their closest rivals in a keenly contested debate.
Vetland Senior Grammar School finished in second place with 129 points, earning ₦2 million. The team was represented by Oyinkansola Mary Popoola and Hepzibah Oluwajomiloju Olagbaju.
Both schools debated the motion, “Faith and science cannot co-exist,” with Square College arguing in support while Vetland opposed the claim.
According to judges’ scorecards, Square College maintained a consistent lead across all debate segments, including the opening, rebuttal, and closing rounds, where they secured identical 10–9 scores from all three judges.
A special presentation segment themed “My Mother” added an emotional highlight to the competition, as contestants delivered moving speeches that drew strong reactions from the audience and judges. Vetland Senior Grammar School, however, edged that round with higher scores.
At the end of the contest, the cumulative results placed Square College ahead, sealing their victory in the regional finals.
Meanwhile, Halifield Schools secured third place.
The top three schools will advance to the “I Beg to Differ” National Debate of Champions scheduled for August 2026, where they will compete against winners from other regions including Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Kano.
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