BY OLUWASORE ALABI
The University of Ilorin’s outstanding performance as host and champion in multiple categories at the 12th All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship (ANUDC) is a strong statement not just of victory, but of the growing importance of debate and intellectual engagement in Nigeria’s future.
UNILORIN took the top spot in public speaking and the Novice Debate stream, while also finishing third in the Quiz Challenge. Perhaps even more impressive is that two of her students, Olafisoye Alexander and Tivlumun Alexander, ranked among the top 3 best speakers of the championship a clear sign of the university’s dedication to grooming articulate and thoughtful students.
In the Debate Mainstream category, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, claimed the overall title, with the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Veritas University, Abuja, taking second and third places respectively. These achievements remind us that across the country, young Nigerians are rising to the challenge of critical thinking, logic, and reasoned argument skills often lacking in public discourse.
What makes this championship especially significant is not just the winners, but the spirit of unity and intellectual exchange it fostered. Universities from both the north and south including the University of Maiduguri, Bayero University, Ahmadu Bello University, Nile University, and many others participated, proving that the hunger for dialogue and understanding cuts across regional lines.
The ANUDC is more than a competition. It is a training ground for Nigeria’s future leaders. In a time when public conversations are often dominated by misinformation, tribal sentiments, or emotional outbursts, platforms like this teach students how to build arguments, listen to opposing views, and find common ground.
Organisers praised the event for promoting teamwork, leadership, and constructive engagement and they’re absolutely right. Nigeria needs more platforms like this, not fewer. In a country facing complex social, political, and economic challenges, we must invest in spaces where young people can think critically, speak boldly, and disagree respectfully.
UNILORIN deserves special commendation, not just for winning, but for hosting a seamless and memorable championship. Participants noted the university’s warm hospitality, fair adjudication, and well organised logistics all signs of a mature institution that understands the role of academics in shaping society.
As the championship ends, the real challenge begins: how will these brilliant minds take the lessons learned into the real world? Debate is not just about trophies or applause; it’s about building a better, fairer, and more thoughtful Nigeria. If the energy seen at ANUDC can be carried forward, then there is hope not just for our campuses, but for the country as a whole.
