LASU DEFEATS UNILAG, UI AND OTHER UNIVERSITIES AT NANS DEBATE COMPETITION

By ABDULSEMIU MONSUROH

Lagos State University defeated other universities and won first place at the Southwest Inter-tertiary debate competition organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) led by Comrade Kappo Olawale.

The debate, themed, "Clash of Thoughts" was contested by representatives from ten universities. The grand finale took place on Thursday at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU Ojo Campus.

The competition officially kick started at the preliminary stage with essays submitted by 30 Tertiary Institutions across Nigeria after which a total number of 24 institutions qualified to proceed to the semi-final which took place at the MBA conference room at LASU Ojo Campus.

19 universities came up against each other in the semi Finals in a true clash of Thoughts from 38 representatives which took over 304 Minutes. LASU (Team Blue) emerged the first position, tied with UI(Team Yellow). LASU and UI emerged victors of the Semi Finals, with 8 other institutions qualifying behind them.

The Lagos State University was ably represented by Shukroh Adeyemi and Titilope Ibrahim who got a rating of 88.3%, defeating the other institutions.

According to reports, University of Lagos came second with a rating of 84.3%, while University of Ibadan, Federal College of Education tied at 80.3%.

Speaking at the event, NANS President, Sunday Asefon, said, “The need to invest in a knowledge-based economy to drive our nation's economy cannot be overemphasised and institutions must be adequately empowered to be productive. We must build the Nigerian MIT, Harvard and WHO through innovations, research and technology are positively influencing the nation’s economy.

“A nation cannot develop beyond the quality of its educational institutions, and we must deliberately do more to be better and productive.

There two day event was duly judged by Panelists from Toast Masters International.