This event was organized and reported by ASFL Local Coordinator, Adedayo Adetayo and Gbenle Iyanuoluwa.

A cross-section of audience at the debate

On the 11^th of November, 2016, Students For Liberty in Ajayi Crowther Univerity, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria organized an inter-university debate competition with the theme, “the impact of knowledge on the political leadership in Nigeria”. This is the first inter-school debate/conference hosted by the team of Students For Liberty in the university with support from Atlas Network.

180 students of the Ajayi Crowther University, and representatives from four (4) other invited universities participated in the event. The other schools present were Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Tai Solarin University of Education, Lead City University, and the University of Ibadan. Also present was the Vice -chancellor of the university, Rt. Rev. Professor Dapo F. Asaju as well as the school’s Dean of Student Affairs, Professor C.O.O Agboola among other lecturers. The welcome speech was delivered by Mr Odeyemi, a lecturer from History and International Studies, who represented Dr. W. Arinde of the same department.

A speech on the first topic, ‘’you need more than ideas to change the world’’ was presented by Wale Adetayo; this was followed by a panel discussion which featured Gbenle Iyanuoluwa, Okediran Mayowa and Oiku Peters. After the discussion the judges for the debate were called up to the front table and the 1^st round of the competition started. Each participating school was represented by two speakers each.

For close to an hour, the debaters debated on the topic, “Is it encouraging and easier to advance liberty through education rather than engaging political processes?” This was followed by a second speech by Mrs. O.A. Adeyemo on “abortion and child abuse in Nigeria: implications and solutions.” She gave insights into the nature, causes and implications of child abuse as well as abortion and the need to recognize the reproductive rights of women.

The 2^nd round of the competition was focused on “the impact of knowledge on the political leadership in Nigeria”; this was also the main theme of the debate. Here, participants had the chance to participate through an interactive session.

At the end of the debate, Ajayi Crowther University took the 3^rd position, Lead City University 2^nd, and University of Ibadan came 1^st. Awards were however presented to all participating schools and certificates of participation were presented to participants in attendance.