society
Ghana, UNILAG lock horns at Inter-University Africa debate debut at disruptED Summit
Ghana, UNILAG lock horns at Inter-University Africa debate debut at disruptED Summit
By Ifeoma Ikem
Students from the University of Ghana and the University of Lagos went head-to-head in a thrilling intellectual contest at the inaugural Inter-University Africa Debate, a flagship event of the disruptED Summit, held at the University of Lagos Auditorium on Thursday. The debate, which drew over 300 students and volunteers, aimed to amplify youth voices in shaping Africa’s economic and policy discourse.
After eight intense rounds of argument, rebuttal, and audience engagement, the University of Ghana emerged victorious, demonstrating depth of research, clarity of argument, and persuasive skill. Judges described the contest as one of the most intellectually rigorous student exchanges they had witnessed. Team Ghana took home a cash prize of N500,000, while Nigeria’s team received N300,000. The Best Debater of the event was also rewarded with N150,000 for outstanding performance.
Luke Wales, Director of Global Relations and Education at the University of Birmingham, representing Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell, said:
“The intellectual standard of this debate was extraordinary. After each round, the judging panel found ourselves reconsidering our positions. The students demonstrated not just preparation, but genuine persuasive skill and analytical depth. It was a powerful reminder of the talent and intellectual energy present in African universities.”
Moderated by Tosin Adebisi, founder of the Programme for African Leadership (PfAL) at the London School of Economics, the debate invited students to confront complex global frameworks such as the Washington and Beijing Consensus, fostering participatory learning rather than passive spectatorship.
Tosin Adebisi emphasized the transformative purpose of the exercise:
“This debate is about more than winning arguments. It’s about training a generation of young Africans to think critically about the systems they are entering and the futures they are building. When students research global economic frameworks in real time and challenge each other at this level, you see confidence forming. You see agency. That’s the foundation of leadership.”
The event also highlighted homegrown innovation. Students from UNILAG presented two major projects: Project Green Dream, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s annual tomato waste of 32 billion kilograms by converting them into flakes for year-round availability, and NAPTCHA, an environmental solution targeting pollution in coastal cities to protect aquatic life, generate jobs, and boost the economy.
“Today, we present to you two of our projects, Green Dream and NAPTCHA. Environmental pollution is a rapidly growing challenge globally, most especially in coastal areas. Our innovative solutions tackle waste accumulation while generating energy and nutrients for communities,” the UNILAG students said.
Judged by Oluwatobi Oseni, Muhammad Abduliahi, Chibuike Echechi, Alfred Ashopa, and Prof. Olufemi Olayemi, the competition underscored the growing importance of youth-led, policy-focused debates on the continent. Organizers intend for the debate to evolve into a national and continental series, fostering leadership, critical thinking, and visibility of youth perspectives in policy decision-making.
An attendee captured the sentiment of many:
“This is the first time I’ve seen students treated as participants in policy, not just observers.”
The disruptED Summit, which brought together educators, tech experts, and policymakers, continues to position students at the centre of discussions on Africa’s education, skills gaps, and future-of-work innovations, reinforcing the critical role of youth in shaping the continent’s policy and development trajectory.
society
RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY
*RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*
In a remarkable display of compassion and community support, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with UFAM Holdings Ltd, successfully distributed food relief to over 1,000 less privileged individuals in the Mando community, Afaka, Igabi, Kaduna State, as part of the Ramadan celebrations.
The initiative, aimed at alleviating hunger during this sacred month, saw community members receiving essential food items to ensure they can observe Ramadan with dignity and sustenance. The distribution took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre, where beneficiaries gathered to collect their food packages.
During the event, the Deputy Chief Imam of Mando Central Mosque, Sheikh Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, expressed his gratitude for the philanthropic effort. “We appreciate this gesture immensely,” he stated. He urged the public to keep the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, in their prayers, acknowledging his ongoing commitment to helping the less privileged. He also highlighted the contributions of UFAM Holdings Ltd, urging support for their charitable endeavors.
Beneficiaries of the food relief expressed their profound gratitude, offering prayers for Allah’s blessings on both the foundation and the company for their generous assistance during this holy month.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR Rtd, former Chief of Army Staff and Grand Patron of the Foundation, who was represented by Col Haruna Idris Zaria Rtd, thanked the public for their continuous prayers. He emphasized the importance of using the month of Ramadan to pray for the betterment of the country and an end to the insecurity plaguing the nation. He also urged the community to support and pray for security agencies, recognizing their sacrifices in maintaining peace and safety.
This charitable initiative not only highlights the spirit of Ramadan but also reinforces the importance of community solidarity and mutual support during challenging times.
Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”
Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.
Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.
While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.
“Obi Would Defeat Even Jesus at the Polls”: Viral Remark Sparks Political Debate Online
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A viral statement by a prominent supporter of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has ignited widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. The supporter, popularly known as Mama Pee, declared during a live social media broadcast earlier this week that “If Jesus comes down to contest in Nigeria, Obi go win am,” a remark intended to emphasize Obi’s perceived popularity among his core supporters.
The comment, which surfaced on X and Facebook, quickly generated sharp responses from supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While many Labour Party loyalists defended the statement as political exaggeration, critics described it as reflective of growing personality-driven politics.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and placed third according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, has not issued any public response to the remark.
The episode underscores the continued intensity of political engagement following the 2023 general elections, with online discourse increasingly shaping narratives around Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
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