Fourteen universities and polytechnics in Kaduna State will battle it out in a three week debate championship starting October 3.
The competition was unveiled by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Kaduna Axis.
It is tagged the 2026 Kaduna State Inter-Tertiary Debate Championship.
The event is coordinated through the Office of the Vice Chairman, Inter-Campus, and aims to build critical thinking, research skills and public speaking among students in the state.
Each of the 14 participating institutions will field two student debaters.
Contestants will go through three elimination rounds before a winner is crowned.
Organisers explained that the championship is not just about who can talk well.
Participants will be required to research extensively, argue logically and defend their positions while still respecting opposing views.
The debate motions will cover topics like governance and public policy, education, technology, socio-economic development, youth participation and civic responsibility.
Other focus areas include regional integration, innovation, entrepreneurship and institutional reform.
Judges will assess contestants based on the strength of their research, logic and understanding of issues, not just their speaking skills.
The Vice Chairman, Inter-Campus, NANS JCC Kaduna Axis, Comr. Nana-Firdaus Ishaq, said the championship was built on the idea that education should offer students more than academic certificates.
He said the initiative would help produce students who are confident speakers and informed thinkers who can contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
Ishaq added that the programme would also strengthen ties among tertiary institutions in Kaduna State and expose students to different perspectives.
NANS JCC Kaduna Axis has called on corporate organisations, government bodies, academic institutions, media houses and individuals to support the championship.
The support needed includes grants, prizes, logistics, media coverage, transportation and welfare for participants.
The organisers say investing in the programme means investing in education and the future leadership of Kaduna State.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
