The Harmattan breeze had started to roll into Bosol High School. The once-hot afternoons were now dry and dusty, and sweaters became a common sight over the usual green-on-green uniforms. But despite the dusty weather, the school was buzzing with excitement—Inter-Class Debate Week had arrived.
It was an idea born during one of the prefects' meetings, and with the Director's approval, it had quickly grown into a full event: four classes, two debates, one trophy.
The topic for the first round?
> "Social Media Does More Harm Than Good."
Class SS2A would argue for the motion. SS2B would speak against it.
Ayomide and Ajiboye had been placed in charge of planning, and they were already feeling the pressure.
---
In the school library, Ayomide sat at a corner table with Victory and Fadeyi.
"We need to finalize the timekeepers and judges today," Ayomide said, scanning the list in her notebook.
"Mrs. Ayoade has agreed to judge," said Victory. "And Mr. Daniel too."
"That's two," Ayomide replied. "We need one more."
"I heard the Directress might come," said Fadeyi. "She said she's curious to see how we'll organize it."
Ayomide groaned. "Great. Now we really can't afford mistakes."
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Elsewhere in SS2A, Precious Ajiboye was helping prepare the team for their argument for the motion.
"We must be confident," he said. "Social media distracts students, promotes fake news, cyberbullying—there's plenty of ground to cover."
Bimbo raised a hand. "Can I be the second speaker?"
"You can," Ajiboye said. "You've got strong points and you speak clearly."
"What about closing arguments?" asked Teni.
"I'll handle that," said Ajiboye, a proud glint in his eyes.
---
In SS2B, the mood was just as intense. They were speaking against the motion—arguing that social media was more helpful than harmful.
Ayomide had agreed to assist them, despite not debating herself. She helped Ruth and Elumezie outline their arguments: learning opportunities, awareness, creativity, staying connected with friends and family.
"Don't forget to give examples," she told them. "Mention educational YouTubers. Use facts."
Ruth jotted notes feverishly. "Should I mention how some students run small businesses through Instagram?"
"Yes!" Ayomide smiled. "Exactly that. Show how it empowers students."
---
The day arrived. Chairs were arranged neatly in the multipurpose hall, the Bosol school logo and motto—"God is our Refuge"—painted boldly above the stage. At the center stood a polished podium, and on either side, two small tables with placards: SS2A and SS2B.
Mr. Rasheed signaled the start.
The audience—students from all classes—leaned forward in their seats as Ruth stepped up confidently to begin.
"Good day, judges, teachers, students. I am Ruth from SS2B, speaking against the motion. Social media is not a curse—it is a tool. In the right hands, it builds, not destroys..."
Her voice was calm, her pacing sharp. The crowd listened with surprising attention.
Then came Bimbo from SS2A, responding confidently.
"Yes, social media may be a tool. But even a tool can become dangerous when misused. From addiction to bullying, the harms are everywhere. We must not pretend otherwise."
Cheers followed her closing words.
As the debate went on, students clapped, booed lightly when arguments were shaky, and gasped when statistics were thrown around like confetti.
Ajiboye gave a powerful close:
"If something does more harm than good, no matter how helpful it can be, it must be checked. That is why we must see social media for what it is—a danger cloaked in entertainment."
Ruth countered brilliantly.
"Then let's teach responsibility, not ban progress. Social media is not the enemy—ignorance is."
---
After the final bell, the judges huddled.
Tension filled the hall.
The Director rose to announce the verdict.
"The judges were impressed with both teams," he said. "But in the end... the team that presented their points with better structure, clarity, and examples was... SS2B!"
The hall erupted. SS2B jumped, hugged, and clapped as Ruth and Elumezie high-fived.
Ajiboye took the loss gracefully, shaking hands with Ruth.
"You were good," he admitted.
"So were you," she replied. "Your closing almost got me."
---
Later that afternoon, the prefects regrouped near the science block, basking in the afterglow of a successful event.
"That was intense," Fadeyi said, drinking water from her flask.
"It felt like a national competition," Victory added, still smiling.
"The real win," Ayomide said, "is how engaged the whole school was. That's what leadership is—bringing people together for something meaningful."
Ajiboye nodded. "Let's plan the finals well. Maybe invite even JSS classes next time."
They all agreed.
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As the sun set over Bosol, a handwritten sign was seen on the prefects' notice board, posted by a student from JSS2:
> "Today's debate changed how I see things. I want to speak like that one day too."
Ayomide saw it and smiled.
Yes, rules were important.
But giving students a voice—that was leadership too.
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