NUC, GOUNI reward 2 Law students for winning NUC debate competition

The National Universities Commission (NUC) and Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI) have rewarded two Law students of the university for emerging overall winners at the NUC National Universities Debate Competition.

The students, Egbogu Favour, a 400-level Law student, and Ajoiyi Priscilla, a 300-level Law student, received cash rewards in recognition of their outstanding performance during the national contest.

The students were presented with ₦250,000 from the NUC and Royal Rhetorics, while GOUNI awarded them an additional ₦500,000. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Christian Anieke, also gifted each student 100 Euros.

The debate competition was originally conceived as a Community Development Service (CDS) project by a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ms. Janefrancis Abuta, who was serving with the NUC before the initiative was later adopted and sponsored by the Commission.

Training for participants was facilitated by Royal Rhetorics, a debate coaching organisation known for producing trainers with continental and global debating credentials.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the university in Enugu, representative of Royal Rhetorics and the NUC, Mr. Nwele Stanley, said the GOUNI team emerged champions after defeating former title holders in what he described as a highly competitive championship.

According to him, the competition featured 74 universities, 213 debaters and 119 teams from across Nigeria.

Mr. Stanley explained that the contest was preceded by a two-week intensive debate training programme aimed at improving students’ critical thinking, public speaking and leadership abilities.

He noted that several major Nigerian universities, including former champions such as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), participated in the championship.

Mr. Stanley said many observers initially expected the GOUNI team to feel intimidated after being paired against previous winners.

He, however, noted that the university not only won the overall championship but also produced the best speaker at the grand finale.

“It was a double win for the university and the Faculty of Law,” he said.

He added that the grand finale featured Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), UNILORIN and GOUNI.

Mr. Stanley further disclosed that the victory has secured an automatic qualification slot for GOUNI at the forthcoming West African Universities Debating Championship scheduled for October 2026.

Also speaking, GOUNI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christian Anieke expressed pride in what he described as the university’s culture of discipline and academic excellence.

According to him, the institution’s strict academic standards contributed significantly to the students’ achievement.

“When I push you, I know what I want as the right answer. I want my students to excel the way I have excelled in academia,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor also announced additional personal cash donations and €100 each for the two students.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Frank Asogwa, described the victory as the beginning of greater accomplishments for the institution.

He assured organisers that the faculty would continue producing disciplined and competitive students capable of excelling both nationally and internationally.

Responding on behalf of the winning team, Egbogu Favour recounted the challenges faced during her academic journey, revealing that financial difficulties once made her consider abandoning her studies.

She said her determination grew stronger after attending national competitions where many participants had never heard of GOUNI.

“That was a turning point for me. I decided I had to become undeniable,” she said.