A non-governmental organisation, David Akinyemi School of Thought and Philosophical Engagement, has trained students from 15 secondary schools in Ondo State on how to engage in intellectual reasoning and critical thinking.
The programme, themed: ‘Annual festival of ideas’, was designed to equip the students with the necessary skills to ask probing questions on various societal issues, with emphasis on the power sector.
Following the training held for the students of the participating schools, the group subsequently organised debates, reading sessions, and essay competitions, to showcase their knowledge and analytical skills in addressing a wide range of issues within the power sector.
The Coordinator, Mrs Opemiposi Idongesit, said the organisation is grooming the next generation of leaders to tackle complex challenges and drive positive change in society.
She said: “We have a picture of an African future with bright and smart young minds, who can engage the world around them and have intelligent discussions.
“Our focus is mainly on high school students from senior secondary schools one to three. We are proponents of critical thinking. We think it is very important because we believe that having teenagers who can think critically would help the overall development of the country and Africa at large.
According to her, debate is one of the ways of making people think critically.
“With the maiden edition holding in Ondo State, we engaged 15 public secondary schools. We went to the schools and trained the students on the power sector, particularly how they could ask questions about the power sector in Nigeria. Idongesit said winners of the competition would be awarded scholarships to cover expenses to university level.
