•Goodluck Akinlawon receiving his prize
A student of the University of Ibadan, Goodluck Akinlawon, has emerged the winner of the 2025 Amnesty International Nigeria Inter-Varsity Debate.
Akinlawon triumphed over participants from 15 other universities across Nigeria in a highly competitive finale, reports Saturday PUNCH.
A statement yesterday by the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, added that the first runner-up was Odebala Odemena of Baze University, Abuja, while Alexander Boroh of the University of Benin clinched the second runner-up position.
He said this year’s edition, themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change,” brought together students from all six geopolitical zones of the country.
According to him, it marked the third edition of the annual debate, which aims to promote critical engagement and discourse on human rights issues among university students.
Sanusi lauded the quality of arguments and the increased participation from tertiary institutions nationwide.
He said, “This debate continues to grow in impact and reach each year. As a global human rights organisation, Amnesty International is committed to empowering young people to shape the discourse around justice, accountability, and human dignity.”
He emphasised the role of youth in dismantling oppressive systems, noting that public speaking and advocacy are powerful tools in building a just society.
“Ending the culture of silence begins with the youth understanding they have a right to speak — and to be heard,” Sanusi added.
He said the debate featured structured rounds where participants challenged oppressive norms and championed fundamental human rights such as dignity, justice, and protection.
“Participating universities included: Landmark University, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, University of Benin, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, Gombe State University, University of Maiduguri, Baze University and Benue State University Makurdi,” he added.
