Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Methodist Girls High School (MGHS) has emerged as the winner of the first-ever Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAG) High School Debate Championship, held on Saturday, 11th October 2025, at the Multipurpose Hall, Fourah Bay College, Freetown.
ILRAG, an independent and non-partisan public policy research and educational think tank, organised the event to promote analytical thinking, public speaking, and civic engagement among secondary school students across Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the event, Madam Basita Michael, Chief Executive Officer of ILRAG, explained that the championship was designed to serve as a national democratic platform encouraging youth participation in discourse while equipping students with vital life skills such as critical reasoning, persuasive communication, and respectful dialogue.
She emphasised that the debate theme “Justice, Rule of Law, and Civic Education” was inspired by Dr Martin Luther King Jr.’s words: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
“Justice teaches fairness, the rule of law teaches discipline, and civic education reminds us that we all have a role to play in building our country,” she said. “At a time when civic awareness is fading, it is essential to remember that national progress depends not only on laws written in books but on citizens who understand, respect, and live by them.”
Madam Basita further noted that the championship was more than an academic exercise; it was about shaping young people to think critically, speak boldly, and defend what is right with respect and reason. She called on students to see themselves as change-makers and future leaders, urging them to uphold integrity, fairness, and accountability.
She also expressed gratitude to participating schools, teachers, pupils, partners, speakers, and judges for making the first edition a success, setting a solid foundation for future competitions.
Salieu Sesay, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone, the event’s main sponsor, praised ILRAG for its impactful initiative.
“We believe in nurturing young minds and encouraging critical thinking,” he said. “This debate embodies what UBA stands for: empowering the next generation to express themselves with confidence.”
Sesay disclosed that UBA continues to support educational programs nationwide, including its annual essay competition for senior secondary Schools, now in its fifth edition, which identifies and celebrates young ambassadors of excellence.
Augustine Sorie Sengeh Marrah, President of the Law Society, commended ILRAG for cultivating a generation of vibrant thinkers and urged the organisation to keep creating platforms that challenge young people to redefine ideas through healthy debate.
At the end of the competition, Methodist Girls High School claimed the Gold Medal, Trophy, Certificates, Cowbell products, and NLE 5,000 cash prize, while Edna Hannah Mansaray was crowned Best Debater.
Saint Joseph’s Secondary School emerged as the Runner-Up, taking home the Silver Medal, Trophy, Certificates, Cowbell products, and NLe 3,000, with Dennicia Conteh recognised as the Second Best Debater.
Expressing her joy, Edna said she was surprised but thrilled to win. “It has been a hectic week, but I’m really happy. This is my first debate win, and I see myself becoming Sierra Leone’s best debater in the next three years – maybe even representing the country internationally.”
Dennicia, the runner-up, said she was proud of her performance and inspired to improve.
“This was the first ILRAG debate, and though I hoped for first place, I won’t give up. This is just the beginning,” she affirmed.
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