UNIZIK, COOU, 8 Other Universities to Battle for ₦1m Prize at Anambra Campus Debate

By Praise Chinecherem

No fewer than 10 accredited universities in Anambra State are set to compete in the Anambra edition of the South East Campus Debate, an intellectual contest sponsored by businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dr Ikenna Okafor, with a grand prize of ₦1 million for the overall champion.

The competition will hold on October 17 and 18 for the preliminary rounds, while the grand finale is scheduled for October 31.

Participating institutions include Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam; Paul University, Awka; Madonna University, Okija; Tansian University, Umunya; Peter University, Achina-Onneh; University on the Niger, Umunya; Shanahan University, Onitsha; and Legacy University, Okija.

Speaking with journalists in Awka, Okafor said the initiative was designed to promote intellectual development, critical thinking, public speaking and persuasive communication among undergraduates.

The competition is being funded through his companies, Keves Global Leasing Ltd and Ideal Agro Allied Produce Ltd, makers of Afrirootz Foods, in collaboration with the Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation.

According to him, the initiative seeks to revive the culture of intellectual contests among young people and encourage students to engage meaningfully with issues affecting society.

“While entertainment programmes attract considerable attention, we also need platforms that challenge young people to think critically, express their ideas confidently and engage in informed discussions about issues that shape their future,” he said.

Okafor, who recalled participating in quiz and debate competitions during his school days, said the project was part of his commitment to supporting education and nurturing a generation of informed, articulate and solution-oriented young people.

He added that the competition would offer participants opportunities to sharpen their reasoning abilities, strengthen their public-speaking skills and develop the confidence to defend their positions on issues of public importance.

The philanthropist disclosed that the Idi Ezeani Nzekwuabuo Foundation was established in honour of his late father, Chief Paulinus Okafor, to support pupils and students, persons living with sickle cell disease, blind students and widows.

He also noted that the foundation intervenes in schools in Akwaeze and other communities across Anambra State where necessary.

Expressing appreciation to Mac Clem Marketing for introducing the debate initiative, Okafor described the forthcoming contest as the beginning of a project expected to expand in subsequent editions.

He called on the media to publicise the competition to attract wider participation and encourage greater support for intellectual development among Nigerian youths.

Also speaking, the sponsor’s wife, Dr Esther Okafor, urged university students to embrace the opportunity and participate actively in the contest.

“This is a programme that will help build right-thinking, solution-oriented youths with a can-do spirit to drive the desired change in society,” she said.

The competition is expected to provide a platform for participating universities to showcase their students’ intellectual abilities, debating skills and capacity to engage constructively with contemporary issues.

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