10/09/2026
RSU Hosts 13th All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship, Commissioner Urges Youth to Choose Reason Over Aggression
Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has hosted the opening ceremony of the 13th All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship (ANUDC 2026), with the Rivers State Government urging young Nigerians to embrace reason, evidence and constructive dialogue rather than aggression in addressing disagreements and national challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, held on Monday 7th September, 2026, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, described the championship's theme, “Reason Over Anarchy: Raising a Generation That Wins with Words,” as timely, particularly in a society where differences can sometimes degenerate into conflict.
The Commissioner said university debating equips young people with logical reasoning, evidence-based argument, effective communication and the composure to engage opposing views respectfully.
He stressed that Nigeria needs a generation capable of using argument rather than aggression and persuasion rather than destruction to resolve differences and confront the country's challenges.
According to him, the skills acquired through debating extend beyond academic competition, as they prepare young people for responsible citizenship, leadership and meaningful participation in society.
The Commissioner commended Rivers State University and its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, for hosting the championship and reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to quality education and the development of young people with strong intellectual and leadership capacity.
Declaring the championship open, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, welcomed participants and delegates from universities across Nigeria and urged the debaters to deploy reason, evidence and critical thinking in navigating disagreements and contributing positively to society.
Professor Zeb-Obipi stressed that true strength lies not in force, intimidation or noise, but in the ability to think clearly, listen to opposing views and communicate ideas with courage and civility.
He encouraged the debaters to see the championship as more than a contest for trophies, describing it as an opportunity to build intellectual capacity, leadership skills and the ability to resolve differences through constructive dialogue.
As a gesture of support, the Vice-Chancellor announced financial assistance from Rivers State University to two participating debaters from one of the Universities, who had reportedly funded their journey to the championship.
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of the All-Nigeria Universities Debating Council, Prof. A. A. Owoade, described the championship as an important platform for developing critical thinking, creativity, analytical ability, communication skills and confidence among young Nigerians.
Prof. Owoade noted that the competition had, over the years, produced graduates who have excelled in law, academia, entrepreneurship, research, public service and other professions within and outside Nigeria.
He commended Rivers State University for its commitment and preparations towards hosting the 2026 edition, expressing optimism that the partnership between ANUDC and the University would continue beyond the championship.
Also speaking, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Bright Opara, warmly welcomed participants to Rivers State University and assured them of the University's commitment to their welfare, safety, security and comfort throughout the championship.
Professor Opara urged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity to build friendships and professional networks with fellow students from universities across the country, noting that such relationships could become lasting benefits of the competition.
He described university debating as a training ground for responsible citizenship, leadership, critical thinking, effective communication and democratic participation.
The opening ceremony, held at the University's Senate Chamber, attracted Principal Officers, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr Mina Tele-Ikuru, representatives of universities, members of the ANUDC, the Local Organising Committee, academics, coaches, adjudicators, resource persons and student debaters from across Nigeria.