ANUDC Champions Critical Thinking and Youth Empowerment at 11th All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship

The 11th edition of the All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship (ANUDC), organized by the All-Nigeria Universities Debating Council (ANUDC), came to a triumphant close on September 14, 2024, at Veritas University, Abuja. With universities from across the country competing, the championship once again showcased the Council’s dedication to fostering critical thinking, leadership development, and civic engagement among Nigerian youths.

Since its inception in 2013, the ANUDC has grown into a premier intellectual event, attracting undergraduate debaters from federal, state, and private institutions. This year’s tournament, structured in the British Parliamentary debate format, was a remarkable display of the depth of intellectual talent present in Nigerian universities. It further highlighted the Council’s mission to make debating a vital co-curricular activity across the nation.

After a week of rigorous debate sessions from September 8 to 14, 2024, the University of Ilorin emerged as the overall winner of the Main Stream Debate, asserting its dominance in a closely contested final against the University of Calabar and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), who placed second and third, respectively. In the Novice Stream, FUTO clinched first place, with the University of Ilorin and the University of Lagos following in second and third positions.

The ANUDC also celebrated outstanding individual performances, with Collins Undelikwo from the University of Calabar winning the Best Speaker award, followed by Victor Owolabi and Alex Olafisoye from the University of Ilorin, who secured second and third places. Other notable speakers included Akinkunmi Bamigboye from the University of Lagos and Abah Divine from Veritas University, who tied for fourth place.

In addition to the debate competitions, the championship featured a hotly contested public speaking event. Chiwendu Lydia Uchenna from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo took the top spot, with Odeyemi Ifeoluwa from Obafemi Awolowo University and Collins Undelikwo from the University of Calabar finishing second and third, respectively. The competition provided a platform for students to showcase their eloquence and public communication skills, reinforcing the importance of effective speech in democratic engagement.

This year’s competition underscored the ANUDC’s commitment to inclusivity by welcoming new and rising institutions to the national debate stage. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, and the University of Maiduguri were recognized for their exceptional performances, with the latter being named the “Most Improved Institution.” The tournament also saw impressive results from institutions like Federal University Birnin Kebbi, which reached the semifinals in the Novice Stream Debate.

The closing ceremony, held on September 14, 2024, was an inspiring culmination of the week’s events. It featured notable dignitaries and leaders from various sectors, including representatives from government, corporate bodies, and youth advocacy organizations. Assoc. Prof. A. A. Owoade, President and Chair of ANUDC, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the tournament’s role in developing critical thinking, leadership, and civic consciousness among the nation’s youth.

In a significant announcement, Assoc. Prof. Owoade introduced the Democracy Advocacy and Leadership Development Fund for Youth (DALD-FY), a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance youth participation in leadership and democratic processes. He called for support from government institutions, private corporations, and philanthropists to fund the initiative, which aims to provide long-term resources for the empowerment of Nigerian youths.

The ceremony also saw the launch of a fundraising campaign for DALD-FY, with several distinguished guests appointed as ANUDC Youth Ambassadors. These ambassadors will lead the charge in promoting intellectual discourse and civic engagement across the country, a testament to the Council’s vision of empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

Throughout the ceremony, guest speakers stressed the importance of youth involvement in Nigeria’s democratic processes. The representative of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies urged young Nigerians to actively participate in politics by voting and even running for political office. Meanwhile, a representative from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) highlighted how debate sharpens critical thinking, which is vital for fostering accountability and good governance.

Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, one of the prominent youth organizations in attendance, commended the participants for their dedication and announced cash prizes for all public speaking finalists. He further reinforced the role of debate in shaping responsible future leaders and urged more support for platforms like ANUDC.

A key moment of the ceremony was the panel session, which included Hon. Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership. She engaged the audience on how youths can navigate the realities of Nigerian politics while staying true to their ideals. Other panelists included Mr. Kamaldeen Afolabi, Grant Monitoring Expert at Nigeria Youth Future Funds, who discussed the impact of funding intellectual initiatives like ANUDC, and a representative of Hon. Alao Akala, who provided insights into overcoming the challenges facing youth political participation.

As the 11th edition of the championship drew to a close, excitement was already building for the 12th edition, which will be hosted by Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ekiti State in 2025. With each passing year, the ANUDC continues to build a legacy of intellectual excellence and youth empowerment. By providing a platform for students to sharpen their critical thinking skills, articulate complex ideas, and engage with societal issues, the Council is playing a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s future leaders.

In an era where the challenges facing Nigerian youths are vast, the ANUDC remains a beacon of hope, promoting dialogue, intellectual development, and civic engagement. As it continues to grow, the All-Nigeria Universities Debating Council reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a generation of informed, thoughtful, and active citizens capable of driving positive change in Nigeria. The 11th All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship was more than a competition; it was a movement to empower young minds, foster leadership, and reinforce the democratic values that will shape the future of Nigeria.