Queen of the Rosary School, IPAM Emerges Champions of UN@80 Quiz and Debate Competition

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has joined the United Nations (UN) and the Anti-Glossophobia Academy to host the grand finale of the UN@80 Inter-School Quiz and University Debate Competition at the Miatta Conference Hall.

The event coincided with the UN’s 80th anniversary and brought together students nationwide to showcase their intellect and debating skills on global and national issues.

Speaking at the ceremony, Idrissa Sannoh, Acting Director of Research, Planning, and Development at MTHE, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting education as a tool for peace, tolerance, and sustainable development. He described the competition as a celebration of knowledge, dialogue, and youth potential, highlighting MTHE’s continued collaboration with UN agencies to strengthen higher education, technical training, and research for national transformation. Sannoh emphasized that young people are central to building a peaceful and innovative future driven by education and global cooperation.

In her remarks, Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, praised the creativity and intellect of participants, noting their deep understanding of the UN’s mission. She said the event provided a moment to reflect on the UN’s 80 years of peacebuilding, human rights advocacy, and development work. Wakana underscored the importance of partnerships, thanking corporate supporters for their contributions.

In the quiz competition, Queen of the Rosary School (QRS) won first place with 40%, earning NLe 10,000, followed by Sierra Leone Grammar School with 35%, earning NLe 7,000. St. Francis Secondary School scored 25%, Albert Academy 23%, and Milton Margai School for the Blind 15%. Samuella Y. Tommy of QRS was named Best Quizer with 10 points.

In the university debate, the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) emerged champion with 84%, earning NLe 25,000, followed by Fourah Bay College (FBC) with 83% and NLe 15,000, Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) with 79% and NLe 10,000, and Limkokwing University with 77%. Abraham Lapia of FBC was awarded Best Debater (90%), while Emmanuel Bundor of IPAM came second (84%).