The University of Ibadan has produced a new champion in the realm of debate, with Goodluck Ihuoma Akinlawon emerging as the winner of Amnesty International Nigeria’s 2025 Intervarsity Debate.
The competition, themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change,” brought together students from 16 universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The debate was highly competitive, with participants showcasing their advocacy and public speaking skills.
Akinlawon’s winning performance was recognized among the best, with Odebala Odemena of Baze University, Abuja, securing the position of first runner-up, and Alexander Boroh from the University of Benin coming in as second runner-up.
Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, congratulated the winners and participating institutions, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to empowering youth to play a role in promoting human rights. Sanusi stated, “By equipping students with advocacy and public speaking skills, we are empowering them to lead conversations on justice, human rights, and accountability.”
The debate aimed to break the culture of silence by empowering young voices to speak out on human rights issues. Sanusi added, “Ending the culture of silence begins with the youth learning that they have a right to speak and to be heard.”
The competition featured a diverse range of institutions, including:
- Landmark University
- University of Lagos
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Ibadan
- University of Port Harcourt
- University of Benin
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
- Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola
- Gombe State University
- University of Maiduguri
- Baze University
- Benue State University Makurdi
