The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has emerged winner of the 2024 Campus Debate and Capacity Building Conference organised by the National Orientation Agency.
Tagged ‘7 for 7 National Values Charter,’ LAUTECH defeated five other tertiary institutions at the grand finale held at Ikeja, Lagos, to win the N20million grand prize.
The debate saw representatives of the six tertiary institutions that emerged winners from the six geopolitical zones during the debate themed “Criticising and dissenting peacefully while maintaining love for one’s country,” at Tuesday’s grand finale.
After voting by the general public, LAUTECH, represented by Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Oluwashina, was declared the winner while Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Ilorin emerged first and second runners-up respectively.
Courtesy of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, LAUTECH also received an additional N1million.
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt; Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga; Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu occupied the fourth, fifth and sixth positions respectively.
Giving his remarks, the Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu said the debate aimed at promoting healthy dialogue and the recognition that constructive criticism is not rebellion once grounded in love, building trust and not with the intention of tearing down things.
Issa-Onilu stressed that youths should express dissent peacefully, be solution-driven, see governance as a collaborative effort and embrace roles as drivers of national development.
He also tasked Nigerians with engaging in acts rooted in discipline, patriotism and integrity, and using their voices to champion national values.
“Constructive criticism is not rebellion; it is a cornerstone of democracy and a vital tool for nation-building.
“Patriotism is not silence. Loving your country does not mean turning a blind eye to its shortcomings. It means recognising those shortcomings, speaking up against them constructively, and working together to find solutions.
“For the past weeks, young minds across the nation have engaged in spirited debates researching arguments that demonstrate their intellect, creativity, and passion for the development of our beloved country. Your dedication and courage are the building blocks of Nigeria’s brighter future,” Issa-Onilu said.
Issa-Onilu promised that next year’s event would have more universities participate.
Managing Director, NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr promised the fund’s dedication to ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder Nigerian students from accessing quality tertiary education.
The Managing Director, NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr promised the fund’s dedication to ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder Nigerian students from accessing quality tertiary education.