From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School in Amarata has emerged victorious in the APWEN Bayelsa chapter organised Inter-School debate on AI and Creativity to mark the 2026 International Day of Girls in ICT.
The debate with the motion titled “Dependence on AI is Doing More Harm Than Good to Human Creativity.” was between teams of SS2 students from St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School and Ijaw National Academy, Kaima in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of the State.
According to the leadership of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Bayelsa Chapter the Inter-School Debate was organised to showcase the intellectual depth and confidence of young girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The debate, which was held in Yenagoa and broadcast live on the State owned Television, NDTV, featured rigorous, research-backed arguments from both sides.
The students argued and countered with poise, demonstrating critical thinking, clarity, and stage presence that drew commendation from guests and judges.
At the end of a keenly contested session, St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School,Amarata in Yenagoa emerged champions with 84 points while the Ijaw National Academy finished as 1st Runner Up with 80 points.
Speaking after the event, APWEN Bayelsa Chairman, Engr. Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite, Ph.D, FNSE, said the close scores reflected the high quality of debate, “Every student on that stage exuded confidence and clarity. We saw the future of STEM, standing tall and speaking boldly.”
“It was more than a debate. It was a glimpse into the future of technology leadership.This is what APWEN stands for raising girls who don’t just use technology, but question it, shape it, and lead it,” she said.
Obuebite noted that the debate proved a critical point: the issue is not the use of AI, but over-dependence on it and whether young people are equipped to think, create, and innovate alongside AI. “From what we saw today, these girls are more than ready to shape the future of technology,” she added.
The Chairman also expressed appreciation to the debaters and teachers of both schools, as well as NDTV Yenagoa for the live coverage. She charged young girls across the state: “Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. The future of technology lies in your hands.”
The Inter-School Debate is part of APWEN Bayelsa’s strategic programmes to build the next generation of tech-savvy, articulate, female problem-solvers.
