By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, has emerged winner of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Bayelsa Chapter inter-school debate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and creativity, organised to mark the 2026 International Day of Girls in ICT.

The debate, titled “Dependence on AI Is Doing More Harm Than Good to Human Creativity,” featured SS2 students from St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School and Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

APWEN said the competition was designed to showcase the intellectual depth, confidence, and potential of young girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Held in Yenagoa and broadcast live on the state-owned NDTV, the debate saw both teams present well-researched arguments, demonstrating critical thinking, clarity, and strong stage presence, earning commendation from judges and guests.

At the end of the contest, St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School scored 84 points to clinch first place, while Ijaw National Academy came second with 80 points.

Speaking after the event, APWEN Bayelsa Chairman, Engr. Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite, said the narrow margin reflected the high standard of the debate.

“Every student on that stage exuded confidence and clarity. We saw the future of STEM standing tall and speaking boldly,” she said.

She described the event as more than a debate, noting that it offered a glimpse into the future of technology leadership.

“This is what APWEN stands for—raising girls who do not just use technology, but question it, shape it, and lead it,” she added.

Obuebite noted that the discussion highlighted a key issue: not the use of AI itself, but the risks of overdependence and the need to ensure young people can think, create, and innovate alongside it.

“From what we saw today, these girls are more than ready to shape the future of technology,” she said.

She commended the students, their teachers, and NDTV Yenagoa for the successful event, urging young girls across the state to continue to express their ideas and pursue opportunities in technology.

The debate forms part of APWEN Bayelsa’s initiatives to nurture a new generation of tech-savvy, articulate female innovators.