The University of Ilorin played host to the 12th All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship (ANUDC), a gathering that brought together some of the country’s brightest young minds in debate, public speaking, and intellectual competition.
The week-long event, which took place between 24 and 30 August 2025, was not just a championship but also a movement affirming the role of young Nigerians as future leaders, showcasing resilience, talent, and leadership training for the nation’s future.
In the highly competitive Mainstream Debate, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) emerged as champion, while the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Veritas University, Abuja claimed first and second runner-up spots respectively.
The Novice Debate Stream was dominated by the host institution, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), which clinched the championship title. They were followed by the University of Nigeria (UNN) and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
In the Public Speaking category, UNILORIN once again led the pack, winning the top prize. OAU and Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, secured second and third places respectively.
Meanwhile, the Quiz Challenge saw University of Uyo (UNIUYO) crowned champion, with Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) and UNILORIN finishing as first and second runners-up.
The championship also recognized outstanding individual performances. Olafisoye Alexander (UNILORIN) was named the Best Speaker, ahead of Offiah Kenneth (FUTO) and Tivlumun Alexander (UNILORIN).
Speaking at the event, the President of ANUDC Council, Assoc. Prof. A. A. Owoade, described the championship as a “movement” rather than a mere competition, emphasizing its role in cultivating critical thinkers and responsible leaders.
“Every debate sharpens critical thinking. Every quiz strengthens knowledge. Every speech nurtures courage. What we do here is training for leadership, a rehearsal for the Nigeria we all dream of,” he said.
He lauded the University of Ilorin for stepping in to host the championship on short notice, calling the gesture a demonstration of resilience and commitment to youth development.
According to Prof. Owoade, University of Ilorin, which previously hosted the 6th and 9th editions of ANUDC, reaffirmed its reputation as a hub for intellectual engagement, once again living up to its popular motto, “Better by Far.”
Prof. Owoade also appealed to corporate bodies, philanthropists, and visionaries to support the championship as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s future.
“But let us be clear: this championship is more than a contest, more than the lifting of a trophy. It is about the lifting of minds, the shaping of leaders, the building of communities. Every debate sharpens critical thinking. Every quiz strengthens knowledge. Every speech nurtures courage. What we do here is training for leadership — a rehearsal for the Nigeria we all dream of.
“The ANUDC is not just a tournament; it is a movement. A movement that teaches young Nigerians that ideas are stronger than weapons, that dialogue is stronger than division, and that the future belongs to those who can think, speak, and lead with purpose.
“Yet, for this movement to thrive, it needs partners. It needs the hands of sponsors, philanthropists, and visionaries who believe in the power of education and youth. Supporting ANUDC is not charity — it is an investment in Nigeria’s future. It is planting seeds of leadership, innovation, and peace in the hearts of young people. I therefore call on corporate organizations, foundations, and kind-spirited individuals: join us in this work. Stand with us, so that the voices we hear in these halls today can become the leaders who transform our nation tomorrow.
“So I say to every participant: yes, play to win — but win more than the trophy. Win in friendships, win in confidence, win in knowledge, and win in the values you will carry back to your campuses and your communities. That is the true prize of this championship”, Prof. Owoade said
