UNIZIK Debate Club Triumphs at National Championship, Pays Courtesy Visit to Vice-Chancellor
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Debate Club on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University following the club’s outstanding performance at the Nigerian Youth Debate Championship (ANYDC) held at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Director of International Collaboration and Linkages, Prof. Charles Nwadigwe, said the team came to appreciate the Vice-Chancellor for the immense support and encouragement he gave them before the competition. According to him, the university’s debate team recently returned from the championship with multiple speaker awards, judging recognitions, championship titles, and the prestigious Debate Union of the Year 2025 award, proving that the confidence reposed in them by the university management was not misplaced.
Prof. Nwadigwe stated that the achievements recorded at the tournament further reinforce the club’s commitment to producing quality debaters and sustaining excellence in national debate competitions. He also appealed for the Vice-Chancellor’s continued support towards future debate engagements and programmes.
Also speaking, the President of the Club, Chukwuemeka Chiezie of the Department of History and International Studies, informed the Vice-Chancellor that alongside the main competition, the Nigerian Débatteur D’or Awards were organised to honour exceptional debaters and debate institutions across the country. He revealed that the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Debate Club won three major awards at the event, including Deputy Leader of Opposition of the Year 2025 awarded to Chinaka Chigozie, Government Whip of the Year 2025 awarded to Ebube Anene, and Debate Union of the Year 2025 awarded to the UNIZIK Debate Club.
Chukwuemeka further informed the Vice-Chancellor about upcoming competitions, including the All Nigerian Universities Debate Championship scheduled to hold at Rivers State University from September 6 to 13, 2026, as well as the Pan-African Universities Debate Championship billed for December 10, 2026, at Veritas University.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor commended the students for making the university proud through their intellectual achievements and dedication to excellence. He described debating as an important platform for developing leadership capacity, critical thinking, confidence, and effective communication skills among students. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university remains committed to supporting students who distinguish themselves in academics and extracurricular activities, adding that the achievements of the debate club reflect the culture of excellence being promoted in the institution.
He encouraged the students to remain disciplined, focused, and hardworking, stressing that consistency and teamwork are essential for sustaining success at both national and international levels. He further assured the team of the university management’s continued support as they prepare for future competitions and wished them greater success in their forthcoming championships.