Join UOESD National Debating Championship 2025

United Organization for Education and Sports Development has opened the 12th National Debating Championship.

The Maurice Akueme Foundation is a partner in this event.

This contest gives young minds a stage to speak, think and argue with reason.

The event brings together primary, secondary and tertiary schools from across Nigeria.

Each school will share views on a set topic for the group it belongs to.

Know the topics for each level

• Primary schools: Schools should be seen as a better agent of socialisation than family.
• Secondary schools: The Nigerian Government has done more good than harm to its citizens.
• Tertiary institutions: Africa’s underdevelopment is a natural fact, not made by man.

Follow these rules to take part

1. Who can join

• Open to schools in Nigeria only.
• Primary, secondary and tertiary levels are accepted.

2. How to register

• No fee is required.
• Each school can join without payment.

3. Team format

• Primary and secondary schools must submit teams of three speakers.
• Tertiary schools can send many teams.
• Teams can speak for or against the set topic.

4. Time given to each speaker

• Speaker one: 5 minutes
• Speaker two: 3 minutes
• Speaker three: 2 minutes

5. How to submit entries

• Each team must send one video showing the full debate.
• Include the school name, speaker names, state, and contact details.
• Send entries by WhatsApp to +2348145655819.

Check the competition dates

• Video entry starts on 30 March 2025.
• Entry closes on 30 September 2025.
• Zonal stage runs from October 2025 to March 2026.
• Grand finale holds in July 2026.

See what can be won

Awards for early rounds

• Gold medal: score of 90–100%
• Silver medal: score of 80–89%
• Bronze medal: score of 70–79%

National prizes

• Cash prizes for top teams.
• Undergraduate foreign study support for secondary school winners.
• Postgraduate foreign study support for tertiary winners.
• Plaques for top teams.
• Trophies in gold, silver and bronze.
• Certificates for all teams that reach set points.
• Best speaker awards for each group.
• Best debating school award for top six schools.

Ask questions or get help

• Send a WhatsApp message to +2348145655819.
• Email: uoesdessaycompetition@gmail.com

Visit this page for full updates: See full details for the 2025 UOESD Debating Championship