In an inspiring showcase of intellect and articulate thought, the University of Ghana clinched victory at the first-ever Inter‑University Africa Debate held at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of students, volunteers, and policy lovers as young minds from two of Africa’s leading universities confronted pressing global issues with poise, depth, and insight.
Organised under the wider programme of the disruptED Summit, a platform designed to place youth voices at the heart of conversations about policy and development across the continent, the debate brought a fresh dynamic to academic exchange. It was more than competition; it was a meeting ground for curiosity, courage, and critical thinking that left many in the audience deeply impressed.
Table of Contents
A Spirited Contest With Strategic Depth
The hall at the University of Lagos buzzed with energy as the highly anticipated contest unfolded. Representatives from the University of Ghana and the University of Lagos engaged in a formal, structured debate exploring weighty global themes such as the Washington Consensus and the Beijing Consensus, frameworks that have shaped economic strategy and policy debates for decades.
Over the course of eight intense rounds, both teams showcased remarkable preparation, analytical rigour, and persuasive delivery. They did not merely deliver speeches; they influenced thinking, challenged assumptions, and stirred deeper reflection among the audience and judges alike. Students from both sides seized the opportunity to deliberate in real time, often researching complex concepts as the debate progressed, elevating the event from mere performance to a shared learning experience.
When the judges reached their verdict, the University of Ghana emerged as the overall champion. This achievement came with a cash award of N500,000, underscoring the significance of their performance. The University of Lagos team, which put up a strong fight throughout, received N300,000 in recognition of their impressive showing. In addition, the Best Debater was honoured with N150,000 for outstanding individual contribution.
Judges Praise High Intellectual Standard
The students’ standards of insight and eloquence drew admiration from the panel of judges, which included distinguished figures from international education and the creative industries. Among them was Luke Wales, Director of Global Relations and Education at the University of Birmingham, who spoke on behalf of Vice‑Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell. Wales expressed how the exchange pushed even the seasoned panel to reconsider some of their own views, highlighting the depth of the arguments presented.
Also on the panel were Emma Tarrant Tayou, Director of Graduate Guidance Group, and Olufemi Bamigbetan, Creative Director of REDTV/UBA, both of whom commended the students for meticulous research and confident articulation. Their feedback affirmed the belief that Africa has a rising generation of thinkers ready to tackle global issues head‑on.
Moderated by Tosin Adebisi, founder of the Inter‑University Africa Debate initiative and Head of the Programme for African Leadership at the London School of Economics (LSE), the session was firmly anchored in the belief that debate is more than competitive rhetoric. Adebisi explained that the programme’s core aim is to nurture critical thinking skills, self‑confidence, and a robust willingness to engage with complex policy matters among young Africans.
A Platform With Pan‑African Aspirations
What made this event especially significant was not just the winner’s trophy but the broader narrative of academic collaboration and continental intellectual exchange. The debate initiative, which had its roots at the LSE and was originally supported by former Ghanaian President John Mahama, has attracted participation from leading institutions in the United Kingdom such as Cambridge, Imperial College London, King’s College London, and University College London, before venturing to Africa.
Extending this platform to Africa reflects a growing commitment to cross‑border academic partnerships and the empowerment of youth voices. The organisers have ambitious plans to grow this initiative into a full‑scale continental circuit, starting with national rounds, moving to regional competitions, and culminating in a grand Africa‑wide final. This vision, they believe, will foster a culture where debate and policy engagement become integral to higher education across the continent.
For many who attended, the debate was one of the standout sessions of the disruptED Summit. Students and audience members alike commented on how the event moved beyond passive observation to active participation. One attendee reflected that it was the first time students were truly treated as contributors to policy deliberation, rather than just spectators.
What This Means for Africa’s Future Leaders
The success of the University of Ghana team at this inaugural event carries significance well beyond the prize money. It signals a powerful message about the intellectual capacity and readiness of young African scholars to participate meaningfully in conversations that shape public policy, economic frameworks, and the continent’s future trajectory.
This outcome also builds momentum for similar engagements across Africa, encouraging universities to take part in debates, research exchanges, and platforms that challenge students to think critically and act boldly. Already, institutions like the University of Ghana are involved in broader competitive forums such as the Pan‑African University Debate Championship, which offers further opportunities for student growth and inter‑university exchange across nations.
For Nigeria, hosting a successful event like this underscores the country’s role as a hub for intellectual gatherings and youth‑driven dialogue. The contribution of the University of Lagos, both as host and competitor, reflects a strong academic spirit, even as the team celebrated the runner‑up position.
In the end, the inaugural Inter‑University Africa Debate in Lagos did more than crown a winner. It planted seeds of ambition, sharpened minds, and set a benchmark for what youthful energy, guided by critical thought and passion, can achieve when given a stage to shine. Here in Lagos, a new chapter in African academic collaboration and student empowerment has begun, promising richer and more impactful conversations in the years ahead.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST EDUCATION NEWS
