Bible Bee Sparks Debate on Moral Foundations Amid Rising Social Vices

By Julian Osamoto

As concerns deepen over rising moral decay and social vices among young people, organizers of the Discipleship Bible Bee say investing in children’s spiritual growth is just as critical as their academic success.
The 2025 edition of the competition concluded in Abuja, with Benjamin Bloom clinching the top prize of N1 million, while the second and third-place winners received N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.Coaches were also recognised with cash rewards for their roles in preparing the contestants
But beyond the cash rewards, the programme has reignited conversations about the role of families in shaping values.For parents like Sikinwoti Banga, who had two children in the finals, the event is more about sustaining faith and impacting good values in the child.She said, “Every scripture we learn, we pray with it, and when challenges come, I encourage my children to use God’s Word to navigate, this has really helped them stand for Christ.”

Another parent and coach, Esther Amasa, argued that the discipline instilled during preparation is transformative.“As much as we want children to be academically sound, they also need spiritual grounding to become valuable members of society,” she noted.

Education and child development experts have long warned that without moral foundations, academic success alone cannot produce responsible citizens.
On his part the chairman of the Discipleship Family Academy, Justice Osagie Oboh, echoed this concern. “The objective is not just to memorise but to live the Bible,” he said, stressing that moral instruction at home remains crucial.

Convener Discipleship Family Academy Mrs Oluwatoyin Oboh, described the initiative as a response to growing societal challenges. “The Bible Bee is not simply a competition but a commissioning, we are launching children as change agents for good.” she explained.

She announced that the next edition will expand across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, signalling a push to embed the programme nationwide.
For Judges and sponsors, they agreed that beyond the prize money – which included rewards for both contestants and coaches – the long-term value lies in strengthening families to take active roles in raising children with integrity.

At a time when youth crime and moral decline dominate public discourse, the Bible Bee raises a critical question: should Nigeria’s education system give equal weight to character formation and academic excellence?