The Africa Amphitheatre of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Thursday, January 29, played host to law students from three institutions for the 20th edition of the Annual National Law Students’ Debate, where contestants slugged it out for the grand prize at the winner-takes-all competition.
Speaking on the topic: ‘Insecurity in Nigeria, an Exposure of Youth Neglect,’ speakers from the Lagos State University (LASU), Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Babcock University argued on the motion, while they were judged by Dr Chijioke Uwasomba of the Department of English, OAU; Dr Femi Odunsi and Mr Adegbite, lecturers from the Faculty of Law, OAU; and Dr Tete Adams, a lecturer from the Faculty of Law, Babcock University.
While Omolaja Olayemi of the LASU argued that Nigeria’s insecurity was as a result of neglect of the youth, Adekunle, EKSU’s first speaker, vigorously spoke against the topic, noting that insecurity in Nigeria is not a determinant of youthful exuberance.
Citing Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chelsea Football Club’s owner, Roman Abramovich, who had humble beginnings and yet excelled exceptionally, Adekunle added that an example of Abdulmutallab presented evidence that youth neglect was not what caused insecurity, but an innate desire of youths to be wayward.
Odjeni Emuesiri, Team OAU’s first speaker who spoke for the topic, referred to happenings around the country, making a case that Nigeria’s insecurity stemmed from youth neglect, while using her local language adages to drive her point home.
As the contest neared its final stage, an impromptu oratory for five minutes was to be given by one speaker from the three teams on the topic: ‘Two-Party System; A Panacea to Nigerian Elections.’
While the results were being prepared after the presentations, Mr Olusola Amusan, Citizen Manager of Microsoft in Nigeria, spoke to the students on job opportunities and how they could make themselves productive for the future.
Senator Babajide Omoworare of Ife East Senatorial District while addressing the students on a two-party system for Nigeria, noted that while a two-party system is wonderful, what Nigeria needs is the multi-party system which it is already operating.
With 73.7 per cent, the Obafemi Awolowo University Team emerged first, while Babcock University’s team came second with only two points behind Team OAU, and Ekiti State University came third. The first team received a cheque of N100, 000, while Emuesiri of OAU received the prize for best orator.
The Annual National Law Students Debate has been hosted by the Prima Strata Club for 20 years. The club started at the Faculty of Law, OAU in 1983 and prides itself as the oldest club in the faculty. The self-funding 30-member club is committed to philanthropic ideas, social emancipation, charity and educational development.
Caleb Adebayo
(500-Law, OAU)