UNILAG wins All-Nigerian Universities Debating Championship

THE University of Lagos, has emerged winners of the second All-Nigerian Universities Debating Championship. The school was represented by the duo of Nathan Odiase and Temitope Ojelade,

  The competition, which commenced on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Julius Berger Hall of the institution, was targeted at actively engaging Nigerian students in an intellectual battle to improve their skills. 

  The University of Calabar, Cross River State, which hosted the first edition in 2013 finished second, while Imo State University, came in third position at the end of the competition, which featured a total of 17 universities.

  Speaking at the closing ceremony, Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Rahamon Bello, expressed appreciation to participating schools, urging them to keep working hard for the intellectual upliftment of the country.

  He said, “There are over 200 tertiary institutions in the country and for us to have 17 institutions shows that you people are the best and I want you to count yourselves lucky and continue in your quest to move our country forward.” 

 Dean, Students’ Affairs Division, Prof Tunde Babawale, expressed joy that UNILAG hosted and won the championship, which according to him provided a platform for the students to sharpen their skills.

   The recent visit of UNILAG debaters to South-Africa at a time when universities in the country are complaining of inadequate funds, he noted, can be attributed to the vice-chancellor’s passion and his quest to see the institution being part of Pan–African Debating Championship.  

   He commended the management and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the championship for providing the necessary support and facilities to host the event. 

  Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie, Mr. Victor Onuoha, who underscored the importance of the championship, stressed the need for Nigerian youths to often engage in intellectual battles.