LIVDC: A Revival Long Overdue

By Faboro Boluwatife

For many students of Lagos State University, the LASUSU Inter-Varsity Debate Championship (LIVDC) is more than just an event. It is a platform where intellect meets expression, where ideas clash, and where voices are sharpened into instruments of change. Yet, for two consecutive administrations, this significant academic tradition fell into silence.

Since its last edition in 2023, the absence of LIVDC has been deeply felt. In a university environment that should actively promote critical thinking and articulate discourse, the disappearance of a competition of such prestige raises important. 

The Vice President of LASUSU, Comr. Abisuga Christiana Moyosoluwa, in an interview with ACJ LASU, explained that while the exact reasons for the competition’s discontinuation remain unclear, the demands of organizing such an event cannot be overlooked. She described it as “a difficult program to pull off” and “heavily financially intensive,” pointing to the logistical and financial constraints that may have contributed to its inconsistency.

Still, the gap left behind cannot be dismissed. Two administrations came and went, yet LIVDC, a flagship intellectual event was allowed to fade. This reflects a troubling shift in priorities, where platforms that foster critical thinking and meaningful student engagement are sidelined. For an institution that prides itself on academic excellence, such a lapse is not just disappointing; it is unacceptable.

For student debaters, this absence was not merely administrative, it was personal. Speaking with ACJ LASU, Ajeniya Abdulquadri, a final-year law student, a representative of LASU at the 2023 edition of LIVDC, and active member of the LASU Debate Society, captured this sentiment succinctly: “I’m sad. The competition is one that every public speaker in LASU looked forward to. Too bad that we now live with just the tales.”

Debate competitions like LIVDC are far more than extracurricular engagements. They are essential to the intellectual development of students, encouraging research, building confidence, and exposing participants to diverse perspectives on societal issues. 

Ajeniya noted that, the absence of the competition had broader implications: “There aren’t so many platforms for public speakers to compete, so discontinuing one like LIVDC reduces already limited opportunities. It limits students’ chances to compete on a national stage and denies the LASU community the chance to witness intellectual engagement.”

Beyond competition, these platforms give students a voice, something every academic institution should actively cultivate.

The failure of the past two administrations to sustain LIVDC represents a missed opportunity to uphold a culture of academic engagement. At a time when students are increasingly seeking avenues to express their views on pressing issues, the absence of such a platform is both limiting and disheartening.

However, there is now a renewed sense of hope. The announcement that LIVDC will return this April signals a positive shift, a recognition of its importance and a step toward restoring a valued tradition. Reacting to the news, Ajeniya expressed cautious optimism, stating, “It feels good hearing it now. I look forward to it.”

As anticipation builds, expectations are understandably high. According to the Vice President, students should expect “something new, exciting, and intellectually challenging,” suggesting a refreshed and engaging experience. 

For participants, however, the focus extends beyond excitement to sustainability. Ajeniya emphasized this need, noting that he hopes to see “a project that can be continued, one that maintains its impact and keeps its promises.”

For students who have never experienced LIVDC, there is every reason to be excited. The competition offers more than just structured debate; it creates an atmosphere of unity, intellectual exchange, and vibrant expression. Ajeniya Abdulquadri described it, “It’s a different experience , the solidarity of rooting for your institution, the exchange of ideas, the banter, the creativity. It’s always an event to watch out for.”

Moving forward, consistency must become a priority. LIVDC should not be treated as an optional event but as a cornerstone of student intellectual life. While its revival is commendable, concerns about sustainability remain. Stronger financial and institutional support, as highlighted by the Vice President, will be crucial in ensuring that the competition does not fall into silence again.

Ultimately, academic traditions like LIVDC serve as a reminder that student leadership values intellectual depth alongside social engagement. They affirm that platforms for discourse, reasoning, and expression are just as vital as any other aspect of campus life.

The silence of the past two years has been loud enough. Now, it is time for voices to rise again.