Goodluck Ihuoma Akinlawon, a student of the University of Ibadan, has emerged winner of the 2025 Amnesty International Nigeria Inter-Varsity Debate, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Odebala Odemena of Baze University, Abuja, finished as first runner-up, while Alexander Boroh from the University of Benin secured third place.
This year’s debate, themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change,” brought together students from 16 universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Amnesty International described the competition as the most competitive yet, with increased participation and high-level advocacy from contestants.
Speaking at the finale, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, congratulated the winners and all participating institutions. He emphasized the importance of engaging young people in human rights discourse.
“As a global human rights organization, Amnesty International will continue to empower youth to play a role in building a world where everyone enjoys their rights,” Sanusi said. “By equipping students with advocacy and public speaking skills, we are fostering future leaders in the fight for justice, accountability, and human dignity.”
Now in its third edition, the annual debate aims to cultivate critical thinking, foster dialogue on human rights, and encourage student-led advocacy.
Participating universities included: University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Port Harcourt, University of Benin, Landmark University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Usmanu Danfodiyo 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.
