University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has emerged as the North-Central champion of the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to inspire Nigerian youth to embrace national values and civic responsibility.
UNILORIN clinched the award at an event held on Thursday, 28th November at the Admiral Mohammed Lawal Multipurpose Hall in Kwara State Polytechnic.
In his welcome address delivered by Tolu Meduna, the Director General, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu noted that the inter tertiary institution debate is a continuation of efforts by the Agency to engage younger Nigerians towards patriotism and unite hearts and minds toward a shared vision of progress and national pride.
The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, represented by the Deputy Rector Academics, Dr Mrs Felicia Awolola also commended NOA for the laudable initiative and promised to promote the ideals of the values charter beyond the programme.
Representatives from Kwara State Polytechnic and University of Ilorin competed in the debate, dissecting the thought-provoking topic: “7 for 7 National Values Charter: Striking the Balance Between Government Promises and Citizens’ Responsibilities in Nation-Building.”
The debate highlighted compelling arguments on the interplay between governance, civic duty and personal responsibilities and it was another.
Representing the Kwara State Polytechnic was the duo of Lanre Idris Mustapha and Bankole Yusuf Williams of Mass Communication Department while University of Ilorin was represented by Alex Olafisoye and Alex Tivlumun of Law and Communication Information Sciences.
The panel which comprised the NOA Kwara Director Alh Dare Abdulganiyu, Dr Reuben Akano of Kwara State University, Mrs Omokanye, College of Education Oro and Dr. Ogunmodede Busola, Regional Director, StrengthAfrica, after a thorough assessment awarded University of Ilorin the championship title for the North Central zone earning the team a ₦5,000,000 prize and a coveted ticket to the grand finale.
The sum of two million naira was awarded Kwara State Polytechnic as the runner up in the debate
Interestingly, the event extended beyond the debate, featuring a robust capacity-building segment led by distinguished facilitators. These sessions equipped participants with valuable skills and insights:
Oluseye Taiwo Adepoju, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, delivered an inspiring session on leadership and personal development. He urged participants to harness their strengths to drive societal transformation.
Dr. Adebusola Ogunmodede, also took a session, highlighting the importance of mental resilience and emotional intelligence in achieving both personal and societal goals.
Tolu Meduna, the programme Coordinator highlighted the initiative’s scope, revealing that similar debates will be held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with a winner selected in a live broadcast at the grand finale.
The event brought together students, professionals and dignitaries, who applauded the initiative as a pivotal step toward a value-driven and new Nigeria.
