UNIZIK Wins Maiden Anambra Edition Of South East Campus Debate

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka has won the maiden and Anambra edition of South East Campus Debate defeating Paul University Awka in a keenly contested final.

Nine tertiary institutions contested in preliminary rounds with Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Paul University making it to the finals where they lurked horns.

Paul University proposed the motion: "This house believes in assuming the feasibility of erasing the memory of colonialism" while Nnamdi Azikiwe University opposed it.

The competition was organized and sponsored by Nzekwuabuo Foundation.

The grand finale attracted secondary school students, top government functionaries including the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor; his Education counterpart, Dr Ekene Ogugua represented by Ms Oby Chiegbu; and the traditional ruler of Akwaeze, Igwe Christopher Okpala represented by Chief Ogonna Chukwuma.

Addressing the gathering, the Founder of Nzekwuabuo Foundation and Chief Host of the event, Chief Ikenna Okafor challenged the students to take charge of their destinies instead of blaming someone else for their failures.

He insisted that education is every child's right and called for collaborative efforts to make sure no child is denied that right.

The Convener of the debate, Sir Chido Obidiegwu said invitations were extended to all tertiary institutions but after an intensive preliminaries only four institutions made it for the final round with Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Paul University qualified as the finalists while Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University and Anambra State College of Nursing Sciences, Nkpor squared up for the third position.

Sir Chido commended Chief Okafor for his magnanimity and passion to improve and build younger generations.

The member representing Aguata I State Constituency and Chairman, Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke said he was overwhelmed by the performance put up by each of the student, saying that this gives hope for the future of the State.

The overall winner and best speaker at the debate, Mr Victor Nnaemeka from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, advised upcoming students to go beyond their course of studies and keep investing in themselves while thanking Chief Okafor for giving them this great opportunity.

Highpoint of the event was presentation of gifts, medals and cash award to the winners.