Ibadan
As-Sabbaq College student emerges overall best speaker at NIEE inter-school public speaking competition, News Live Nigeria reports.
A student of As-Sabbaq College, Alamalyekeen Aisha has emerged as the overall best speaker at the prestigious Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), Oyo State Chapter’s Inter-School Public Speaking Competition, outshining participants from across the state with a compelling performance.
In what will go down as a historic day for As-Sabbaq (Pioneer) College, Bodija, Ibadan, the school emerged with top honours at the grand finale of the Engineer Bolarinwa Olowe Second Inter-School Public Speaking Competition, held at the prestigious KAAF Auditorium, University of Ibadan.
The competition, which attracted 54 entries from 27 secondary schools across Oyo State, began with an essay writing stage themed: “A World Without Plastic Pollution: My Vision for the Future.” Following a highly competitive selection process, only six students were shortlisted for the debate grand finale — remarkably, two of them hailed from As-Sabbaq College.
Representing the school were Alamalyekeen Aisha and Abdulhakeem Bilal, both from SS2. The event featured a panel of environmental and communication experts who assessed the finalists on clarity, critical thinking, originality of solutions, and stage presence.
After an intense and inspiring session of individual presentations, Alamalyekeen Aisha emerged as the overall winner, claiming 1st Place and earning the prestigious title of Oyo State Public Speaking Champion. Her performance, rooted in personal experience and environmental advocacy, captivated the judges and audience alike. She was awarded a ₦100,000 cheque and presented with a trophy.
While presenting the ₦100,000 cheque to Aisha AlamalYekeen, Engr Bolarinwa James Olowe, FNSE, FNIEE, the honouree and BOT Chairman of NIEE, commended the school, saying, “it is a very long journey, and you have wheathered the storm to come first.”
Not to be outdone, Abdulhakeem Bilal delivered a compelling and articulate speech that earned him the 3rd Place position and a ₦50,000 cheque. Engineer Ayanniyi Wole Ayanrinde, MNSE, FNIMECH, The Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Ibadan Chapter presented the cheque to Bilal.
This dual success makes As-Sabbaq College the only school with two students on the winners’ podium, a testament to the school’s academic depth and commitment to excellence in public speaking and environmental awareness.
Speaking after the event, the school’s representatives expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success and reiterated the school’s dedication to raising articulate, informed, and socially responsible leaders.
The victory is a significant achievement for As-Sabbaq College and a proud moment for the college community. It reflects the strength of vision, discipline, and moral excellence the school continues to instill in its students.
Speaking with News Live Nigeria, the Director of the school, Mr Ibrahim Adedotun expressed optimism and confidence he has in the students of As-Sabbaq College, adding that the students’ sterling performance at this year’s edition of the Engineer Bolarinwa Olowe second Inter-School Public Speaking Competition is a source of pride for all the stakeholders.
He said, “Indeed, this is a proud moment for the As-Sabbaq family. May Allah increase us in goodness and excellence.”
The As-Sabbaq coaching team is comprised of Mr Badmos Suleiman T (Coordinator), Mr Asimiyu Lateef, Mrs Oladijo Morufat and Miss Qasim Quwailah.
Expressing the team’s delight, Mr Badmos said, “Alhamdulilah. Both Aisha and Bilal did exceptionally well and indeed raised high the banner of the school. We sincerely appreciate every one of us for this feat. Specifically, we appreciate the Director for his belief in us to deliver. Every teacher played an amazing role in this success. You are all appreciated. From the virtual meetings to your contributions, it was truly a milestone. For the records, our students have raised the bar by having their two essays making the finals and then winning at the finals. A feat no other school has broken yet.
We are super proud of them both! Bilal gave a comeback yesterday which was just amazing during the practice”, he concluded.