St Anne’s Grammar School, Ibadan, on Wednesday, emerged as the winner of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria(APWEN), Ibadan chapter inter- school debate competition.
The girls from selected schools presented arguments on whether social media is doing more harm than good to the mental health of young people in the society or not.
The theme of the debate is: “Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword, Navigating Its Impact on Youths’ Mental Health”.
At the event, the Chairman of APWEN, Ibadan chapter, Mrs Raheemat Adabanija, noted that one of many mandates and visions of APWEN was to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among young people.
She added that the debate was organised with the support of Found Africa Technology, CloudWare Technology, and other sponsors.
“We believe that by engaging in such intellectual debates, we not only stimulate critical thinking and public speaking skills but also encourage a deeper understanding of technology’s role in our lives.
“This year, we have celebrated numerous landmark days, including the International Day for Girls in Science, International Women’s Day, and the International Day of the Girl Child, among many others.
“These celebrations reinforce our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for girls and women in STEM, “she said.
The keynote speaker, Miss Toluwanimi Omotoso, a Social Enterprise Coach, charged students to copy only good vibes on social media and take advantage of opportunities offered by social media to shape their future.
She urged the students to avoid being addicted to social media and see themselves as an impact and change maker.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Found Africa Technology, Mr Jide Aboderin, said that his organisation has partnered with APWEN and Google to launch the Digital Officer Programme for Everyone (DOPE) initiative.
He noted that DOPE was designed to provide accessible, engaging, and impactful learning experiences that foster digital literacy, enhance employability, and promote social and economic development.
“DOPE will be launched in the first five selected schools in the first quarter of 2025 with the support of Google, United Nations and Oyo state government.
“The programme will provide digital mobile digital classrooms in each school where students can learn digital skills and build their capacity, “he said.
Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, said that the state government would not relent in its efforts in adopting technology to advance and improve digital utilisation in the state schools.
He commended APWEN members for championing campaigns against gender barriers and being good examples for every girl student in the state.
At the end of the competition, St. Anne’s Grammar School Ibadan emerged winner with 84.8 per cent, followed by St Louis Grammar School Ibadan, with 83.9 per cent.
The third position went to Yejide Girls Grammar School, Ibadan, with 82.1 per. Among other schools that participated in the competition include Orita-Mefa Baptist Model School Ibadan, Derail Academy Ibadan and Isabatudeen school Ibadan.
