Six Varsities Emerge Zonal Winners in 2025 National Campus Debate — NOA

Six Varsities Emerge Zonal Winners in 2025 National Campus Debate — NOA

By Abiola Adigun
Albarka 89.9 FM

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced the six institutions that emerged winners of the zonal stages of the 2025 National Campus Debate, following an independent review of results across the six geopolitical zones.
According to the Agency, the independent review became necessary after several petitions were received from participating institutions challenging the outcome of the earlier screening process. To ensure transparency and credibility, the Director General of NOA approved the constitution of a seven-member Independent Screening Panel comprising eminent Nigerians drawn from diverse professional backgrounds.
Members of the panel included Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole of the Defence Headquarters; Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Ene Obi, former Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria; Maupe Ogun, broadcast journalist with Channels Television; author and publisher, Japheth Omojuwa; retired Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu; and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon.
The panel sat in Abuja on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, where it reviewed full video recordings of the zonal contests using a standardised scoring system. Criteria assessed included knowledge of subject matter, delivery, team coordination, rebuttal strength, and overall impact.
At the end of the review, the following institutions were confirmed as zonal winners:
North Central – Federal University, Lokoja (32 points)
North East – Federal University, Wukari (35.1 points)
North West – Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari (32.02 points)
South East – Nigerian British University (32.33 points)
South South – Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (33.63 points)
South West – Mountain Top University (36 points)
These six zonal champions will now advance to the Grand Finale of the debate, scheduled to take place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of Nigeria’s Independence Week celebrations. The event will also feature the official unveiling of the National Values Charter by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Director General of NOA praised the participating institutions for their commitment, passion, and intellectual depth, stressing that the debate was not merely a contest but a platform for civic innovation and youth engagement in nation-building.
The Agency also invited the Nigerian public to follow the finale through its official media channels and nationwide broadcasts.