Daura Zone has emerged the overall winner of the 2025 Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP) Inter-Zonal Debate Competition organised by the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), following an impressive display of knowledge, confidence and critical thinking by primary school pupils.
The competition, organised in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), marked the culmination of a programme aimed at promoting agricultural education, public speaking, analytical reasoning and leadership skills among pupils in Katsina State’s basic education system.
Participants represented the Katsina, Daura, Malumfashi and Dutsinma Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) and were mentored throughout the programme by Agricultural Science and Science teachers.
The final debate featured a closely contested encounter between Daura Zone and Katsina Zone on the motion:
“Crop farming is more profitable than poultry farming.”
Speaking in support of the motion, the Katsina team argued that crop farming remains a more sustainable and dependable source of income, citing its long-term economic benefits and comparatively lower risk of total financial loss despite seasonal challenges.
The Daura team opposed the motion, maintaining that poultry farming provides quicker returns on investment because of its shorter production cycle, high consumer demand and significant employment opportunities.
The pupils further argued that poultry farmers can recover their investments within weeks, unlike crop farmers who often face unpredictable weather conditions and fluctuating market prices.
At the end of the contest, the panel of judges declared Daura Zone the overall champion.
Final standings:
- 1st: Daura Zone
- 2nd: Katsina Zone
- 3rd: Dutsinma Zone
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Kabir Magaji, praised the pupils for their outstanding performances and described the competition as evidence of the progress being made in strengthening basic education across the state.
He commended the contestants for demonstrating confidence, fluency in English, sound reasoning and effective presentation skills throughout the competition.
Dr. Magaji also acknowledged the dedication of teachers, mentors and organisers whose efforts contributed to the success of the Agricultural Education Training Programme.
He applauded the Katsina State Government for its continued investment in education, noting that such initiatives are helping to nurture talented, innovative and globally competitive learners.
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The SUBEB chairman reaffirmed the board’s commitment to creating more opportunities for pupils to develop their intellectual, communication and leadership abilities, expressing confidence that Katsina State will continue to produce students capable of excelling in national and international academic competitions.
The Agricultural Education Training Programme is designed to encourage young learners to develop practical knowledge of agriculture while strengthening their critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills through academic engagement and healthy competition.
