Students of Start-Rite Schools, one of the leading citadels of learning in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, known for its unwavering dedication to academic excellence and promotion of quality education, emerged best delegates at the Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, organised under the auspices of Lycee Francais Marcel Pagnol, Abuja, despite being first-timers.
According to a statement released by the media unit of Start-Rite Schools, the students have resolved to launch an MUN Club within the school, following their outstanding performance and exciting experience at the Conference.
The statement reads:
“Twenty-one (21) delegates from Start-Rite Schools, Abuja made an impressive debut at a recent Model United Nations (MUN) Conference organised by Lycee Francais Marcel Pagnol, Abuja, engaging in policy debates and negotiations with peers from international secondary schools across the capital. Demonstrating exceptional poise and leadership, three first-time delegates from Start-Rite Schools, Abuja emerged as Best Delegates, an achievement that reflects the school’s emphasis on developing globally minded and articulate young leaders.
“The Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations where students assume the roles of diplomats and engage in structured discussions on international issues. Over the course of the three-day event, participants represented different countries, crafted resolutions, and debated topics ranging from global health to climate security.
“For the Start-Rite delegation, the conference was an immersive learning experience. Students gained firsthand exposure to diplomatic protocol, policy drafting, and public speaking. They also developed practical skills such as critical thinking, research, negotiation, and consensus-building, competencies that are increasingly relevant in today’s interconnected world.
“While many of the participants had prior MUN experience, the Start-Rite students, attending for the first time, stood out for their clarity of thought, strategic engagement, and ability to lead collaborative discussions. Their success as Best Delegates underscores the effectiveness of the school’s leadership and civics programmes.
“Reflecting on the experience, several students expressed enthusiasm for continuing their MUN journey beyond the conference. ‘I’ve always been interested in global affairs, but this experience gave me the confidence to actually speak up and propose solutions,’ said one participant. Another added, ‘Winning Best Delegate was a surprise, but the real value came from learning to listen, collaborate, and take initiative.’
“In line with the experience, Start-Rite delegates have committed to launching and co-ordinating a Model United Nations club within the school. The initiative aims to provide ongoing opportunities for students to develop their diplomacy and leadership skills while preparing for future conferences. The club is expected to host internal simulations and workshops, with the goal of building a strong pipeline of confident, capable young delegates.
“This achievement aligns with the vision of the school’s Chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, SAN, who has consistently advocated for educational initiatives that combine academic excellence with character formation and civic responsibility. Under his leadership, Start-Rite Schools, Abuja has invested in programmes that expose students to international perspectives and challenge them to think beyond the classroom.
“As the conference concluded, the message was clear: students from Start-Rite Schools, Abuja are not only prepared to take part in national conversations but are also equipped to contribute meaningfully to international dialogue.”
