Goodluck Ihuoma Akinlawon, a student of the University of Ibadan, has emerged as the winner of the 2025 Amnesty International Nigeria Intervarsity Debate.
The final round of the competition, held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, saw Odebala Odemena from Baze University take second place, while Alexander Boroh of the University of Benin came third.
This year’s edition, themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change,” drew participation from 16 universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Students showcased their skills in advocacy and public speaking, engaging in powerful debates on human rights, justice, and accountability.
Amnesty International described the competition as highly competitive and praised the enthusiasm and depth shown by participants from the early rounds to the finals.
In his remarks, Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, commended all the participants and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“As a global human rights organization, Amnesty International will continue to empower youth to play a role in our vision of a world in which every person enjoys all human rights,” said Mr. Sanusi.
“By equipping students with advocacy and public speaking skills, we are empowering them to lead conversations on justice, human rights, and accountability. Ending the culture of silence begins with the youth learning that they have a right to speak and to be heard.”
The debate is part of Amnesty International Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of critical thinking and open discussion among young people, especially around human rights issues. Now in its third year, the annual competition continues to grow in scale and impact.
Participating universities this year included the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Port Harcourt, University of Benin, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Modibbo Adama University Yola, Gombe State University, University of Maiduguri, Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto, Benue State University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Landmark University, and Baze University.
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