Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved full scholarships for members of Team Rivers, winners of the 2026 President’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship.
The Governor announced the scholarship during the commissioning of the reconstructed Bonny National Grammar School in Bonny Local Government Area.
He directed the Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mina Tele Ikuru, to immediately begin arrangements for the scholarship.
Fubara said the students demonstrated outstanding intellectual ability and determination by emerging victorious in the competition.
He explained that the gesture was part of his administration’s efforts to invest in the education, talents and future of young people in the state.
Team Rivers won the debate championship after competing against 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Team Kwara came second, while Team Sokoto placed third.
Also see: Rivers Releases 2026/2027 Academic Calendar
Speaking on the reconstructed Bonny National Grammar School, the Governor described the project as a major boost to education in Bonny and noted that it was the first state government project commissioned in the area in more than 20 years.
He said the reconstruction was an investment in the future of Bonny and the state, stressing that education remained a key priority of his administration.
The Governor also commended the Federal Government for its contribution to the Bonny-Bodo Road project, which he said had improved access to Bonny Island.
The Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward William Asimini Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, described the school project as the restoration of an important legacy and an investment in the future of Bonny.
The Commissioner for Education said the reconstructed school now has upgraded classrooms, science laboratories, a technical workshop, ICT centre, hostels, staff quarters, library, sick bay and assembly hall.
He added that the project also includes sporting facilities, internal roads, drainage, solar-powered streetlights, perimeter fencing and improved security infrastructure.
