The University of Ibadan emerged as the winner of the eighth edition of the Super Bowl Debate Competition, held at the university’s Alumni Hall.
UI, represented by Chineke Ugochukwu, defeated 12 other universities to win the grand prize of N200,000.
Dominican University, represented by Jacinta Nwachukwu emerged first runner-up in the contest while Kolade Daniela of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University was the second runner-up.
The event, themed, “This is Nigeria,” saw representatives from 13 institutions across Oyo State showcase their oratory and critical thinking skills.
The competition unfolded in three stages: a thematic speech on ‘This is Nigeria,’ an impromptu pix-prompt session, and a final round addressing the topic, ‘Heroes of Today.’
Some other participating institutions were the Federal School of Survey Oyo, and Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Igboora.
Founder and Editor-in-chief of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Fisayo Soyombo, in his keynote address, said a return to appreciation of values like hard work and dignity of labour would stem systemic corruption.
“The solution to every Nigerian problem lies in the agency created to solve it,” Soyombo added.
Convener and Head of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, Dr Bisi Olawuyi, said the competition continued to be driven by the need to have the perspectives of young people in addressing the nation’s challenges.
“My motivation is trying to build leadership skills, oratorical skills, amongst others. I also believe that it is high time we engaged young people on sundry national issues. Many of these young people have so many ideas that can transform Nigeria and we need to give them the opportunity, give them the platform to speak.”
