100+ Debate Topics for Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria (2025 Edition)

Debates are an essential part of education in Nigeria. They help students think critically, communicate confidently, and sharpen their analytical skills.

Whether in primary or secondary school, debate competitions are often included in school activities, inter-house sports, cultural days, and even national contests.

If you’re a student, teacher, or parent looking for debate topics in Nigeria for 2025, you’re in the right place.

This guide gives you over 100 debate topics tailored for both primary and secondary schools, ensuring your learners are well-prepared for competitions.

Why Debates Are Important in Nigerian Schools

Debates go beyond just winning or losing. They build life-long skills such as:

• Critical Thinking: Students learn to analyze both sides of an argument.
• Public Speaking: Boosts confidence and helps them express thoughts clearly.
• Research Skills: Encourages reading and knowledge gathering.
• Teamwork: Promotes collaboration and respect for diverse opinions.

In Nigeria, debate competitions also prepare students for external contests, scholarship interviews, and leadership roles.

Read on: How to Start a Debate Greeting in School

Debate Topics for Primary Schools (2025)

1. Social Topics

1. Children should be allowed to use mobile phones in school.
2. It is better to have few friends than many friends.
3. Television teaches children more than books.
4. Every child should do household chores.

2. Education Topics

1. Homework should be banned in primary schools.
2. Boys are better students than girls.
3. Private schools are better than public schools in Nigeria.
4. Teachers are more important than doctors.

3. Technology Topics

1. Watching cartoons makes children smarter.
2. Technology makes children lazy.
3. Online learning is better than classroom learning.
4. Video games should be banned in Nigeria.

4. Environment Topics

1. Planting trees is more important than building houses.
2. Plastic bags should be banned in Nigeria.
3. Keeping animals in zoos is better than leaving them in the wild.
4. Nigeria should focus more on agriculture than oil.

Debate Topics for Secondary Schools (2025)

1. Social Issues

• Social media does more harm than good to teenagers.
• School uniforms should be abolished.
• Boarding schools are better than day schools.
• Education is better than wealth.

2. Education Issues

1. Continuous assessment is better than final examinations.
2. Teachers are more important than parents in a child’s education.
3. Girls perform better academically than boys.
4. Universities in Nigeria should be tuition-free.

Read more: Debate on Education Is Better Than Money – Strong Points for Both Sides

3. Technology and Innovation

1. Artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it will destroy.
2. Internet access should be free in Nigeria.
3. Online education is the future of learning.
4. Mobile phones should be banned in classrooms.

4. Government and Politics

1. Democracy is the best form of government for Nigeria.
2. Corruption is the biggest problem in Nigeria.
3. Youths should be allowed to run for president in Nigeria.
4. Nigeria should adopt electronic voting.

5. Environment and Climate Change

1. Climate change is the greatest threat to Nigeria’s future.
2. Agriculture is more important than oil in Nigeria.
3. Urbanization is destroying the Nigerian environment.
4. Renewable energy is better than fossil fuels for Nigeria.

Tips for Preparing Students for Debates

1. Choose relatable topics: Ensure students can connect to the issue.
2. Practice research: Encourage use of libraries and trusted online sources.
3. Organize mock debates: Practice builds confidence.
4. Teach respect: Students should learn to disagree without being rude.
5. Use current issues: Incorporating real-life examples makes debates more engaging.

Read more: The American university system: What are the advantages of studying in the USA?

Conclusion

Debates are more than just competitions they are tools for grooming future leaders. With these 100+ debate topics for Nigerian schools in 2025, both teachers and students can practice effectively and prepare for contests with confidence.

Whether it’s a classroom activity, inter-school competition, or state-level event, these topics are relevant, thought-provoking, and perfect for building skills.

FAQs

1. What are the best debate topics for Nigerian primary schools?
Simple topics like mobile phones in school, homework, and cartoons are perfect.

2. How do I prepare my students for debate competitions?
Encourage practice, research, teamwork, and confidence-building exercises.