Al-Qalam College Ibadan achieved a remarkable feat as her students make it to the grand finale of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Oyo State Chapter first-ever Inaugural Inter Secondary Schools Competition in honor of Engineer Bolarinwa James Olowe. The event took place yesterday, Monday, 3rd June 2024, at the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan.
Competing in the public speaking event (debate) among the top five schools at the grand finale, Al-Qalam College secured second place out of fifteen participating schools. This achievement reflects the students’ talent and dedication, highlighting their outstanding performance in both essay writing and debating.
Competition Stages:
Stage 1: Essay Writing
Topic: “Land Restoration and Its Role in Securing a Sustainable Future for Our Land”
Students discussed the challenges posed by desertification and drought, proposing innovative solutions for building resilience in a 500-word essay.
Stage 2: The Grand Finale Debate
The top five schools participated in the debate, delivering speeches on the theme OUR LAND; OUR FUTURE. Each contestant brought a unique perspective and style, showcasing their oratory skills, critical thinking, and persuasive communication.
The judging panel, consisting of experienced educators and professionals, evaluated the speakers on content, delivery, articulation, and audience engagement. Securing second place among such strong competitors is a testament to the speaker’s ability to connect with the audience and present ideas effectively.
This accomplishment not only highlights the students’ public speaking prowess but also underscores the support and training provided by Al-Qalam College. It serves as an inspiration to their peers and emphasizes the importance of honing communication skills.
The lead speaker (Toheerah Ikumapayi) of Al-Qalam College remarked that the event had short notice from the organizer, intended to catch schools off guard. Despite this, their team secured second position out of fifteen schools, showcasing their hard work and dedication. The experience was memorable and has motivated them to aim for greater achievements. Other Team members of Al-Qalam College are : Hussain Naheem, Salaudeen Nihmotallah, Olalekan Aisha and Adediran Khaiyroh.
In his own remarks, Mr Idris Afolabi who led the Al-Qalam Team reiterated that his team did not focus on the prize but to gain experiences outside the school system and the learning experiences is their main goal. He stressed further that his team has acquired to mention few; more skills in Teamwork, presentation skill, time management and friendship building.
He therefore extends gratitude to Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Oyo State Chapter under the chairmanship of an Associate Professor (Engr.) Abdwasiy Ajagbe for this great opportunity.
He also appreciates the teachers and parents for their unwavering support and guidance to Al-Qalam Team. He finally commend his students efforts for their ability to articulate and establish valuable points with clarity on the thought provoking topic. He concluded that their performance brought great pride to the school and that it’s truly inspiring.
Alhamdulillah! AL-QALAM SCHOOLS to the ummah. Visit [www.alqalamschoolsibadan.com](http://www.alqalamschoolsibadan.com) for more information.
In conclusion, winning second place in this event is a commendable feat that showcases the exceptional talent of the Al-Qalam team and the hard work of their teachers. The school is setting a high standard for future greatness.
