Atlantic Ivy Announces Inaugural Nigeria-Dubai Schools Debate Competition 2026

DUBAI, UAE — Atlantic Ivy Educational and Recreational Tours Organizing FZCO is pleased to announce the inaugural Nigeria-Dubai Schools Debate Competition, scheduled to take place in Dubai from 21 to 26 April 2026.

This landmark event will bring together secondary school students from Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates for an international educational debate tournament and cultural exchange programme. The competition will feature debates in the prestigious World Schools Debate Style, alongside leadership workshops, mentorship sessions, and educational tours of Dubai.

A Historic Partnership

Atlantic Ivy has partnered with Bring It On Africa, an NGO licensed by the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria (CAC/IT/NO 118973), to organize this groundbreaking event. The Nigerian delegation will be led by Mr. Nweke Chigbo Joseph, Executive Director of Bring It On Africa.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in fostering educational exchange and developing debate skills among young people across Africa and the Middle East. The collaboration aims to create lasting bridges between Nigerian and Emirati students, promoting cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence.

World Schools Debate Championship Format

The competition will utilize the World Schools Debate Championship (WSDC) format, the most prestigious and widely-used debate format for secondary school students globally. This format is used at the annual World Schools Debating Championships and is recognized by educational institutions worldwide as the gold standard for competitive academic debate.

The WSDC format emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, persuasive argumentation, and impromptu speaking ability. Teams of three speakers engage in structured debates on prepared and impromptu motions, developing skills that translate directly to academic success and professional excellence.

Programme Itinerary

Leadership Development & Cultural Exchange

Beyond the competitive debates, participants will engage in a comprehensive programme of leadership development workshops and cultural exchange activities. These sessions are designed to foster global citizenship, cross-cultural communication skills, and lasting international friendships among the participating students.

The programme includes mentorship sessions led by experienced debate coaches and educators, providing students with guidance on academic pathways, university applications, and career development. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore Dubai's world-renowned landmarks and experience the rich cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

About Atlantic Ivy

Atlantic Ivy is a Dubai-based educational organization specializing in public speaking, debate training, and cross-cultural educational programmes for students aged 5-17. Founded by former coaches from the University of Oxford and Columbia University, Atlantic Ivy has established itself as a leading institution for debate education in the Gulf region.

With a track record of over 2,000 students trained and more than 500 tournament victories at prestigious competitions including Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge, Atlantic Ivy brings world-class expertise to the Nigeria-Dubai Schools Debate Competition. The organization's mission is to develop confident, articulate, and critically-minded young leaders through the transformative power of competitive debate.

About Bring It On Africa

Bring It On Africa is a Nigerian non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young Africans through educational programmes, leadership development, and international exchange opportunities. Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (CAC/IT/NO 118973) and licensed by the Federal Ministry of Education, the organization has established itself as a leading advocate for youth development and educational excellence across the African continent.

Under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Mr. Nweke Chigbo Joseph, Bring It On Africa has championed numerous initiatives to promote debate education, public speaking skills, and critical thinking among Nigerian youth. The organization recognizes these competencies as essential tools for personal development, academic success, and national progress in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Since its founding, Bring It On Africa has been instrumental in connecting thousands of Nigerian students with global educational opportunities, facilitating international exchanges, and building partnerships with educational institutions worldwide. The organization's programmes have helped students develop the confidence, communication skills, and global perspective needed to succeed in higher education and professional careers.

The Nigeria-Dubai Schools Debate Competition represents a significant expansion of Bring It On Africa's mission, providing Nigerian students with an unprecedented opportunity to compete on an international stage, engage with peers from the United Arab Emirates, and experience the cultural richness of Dubai. This initiative aligns with the organization's commitment to preparing African youth for leadership roles in the 21st century global community.

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For more information about Atlantic Ivy's programmes, visit www.atlanticivy.com