The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced winners of the zonal stage of the 2025 National Campus Debate, a civic engagement programme aimed at promoting intellectual discourse, national consciousness, and value-based leadership among Nigerian youths.

According to the Agency, the results were released after an independent panel of eminent Nigerians reviewed petitions from participating institutions seeking a reassessment of the initial screening outcomes. 

The Director General of NOA approved the constitution of the seven-member panel to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.

Members of the panel included Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole of the Defence Headquarters; Mr. Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Mrs. Ene Obi, former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria; Channels Television broadcaster Maupe Ogun; author and publisher Japheth Omojuwa; former Police Commissioner Emmanuel Ojukwu; and former federal lawmaker Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon.

Meeting in Abuja on September 30, the panel reviewed full recordings of the zonal debates using a standardised scoring guide covering knowledge of subject matter, delivery, team coordination, rebuttal strength, and overall impact.

At the end of the review, the following institutions emerged as zonal champions: 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), and South West – Mountain Top University (36 points)

These institutions will now compete at the Grand Finale of the National Campus Debate, scheduled to take place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of Nigeria’s Independence Week celebrations. 

The event will also feature the unveiling of the National Values Charter by the President.

The Director General of NOA commended all participating institutions for their discipline and intellectual contributions, stressing that the debate is not just a competition but a platform for nurturing future leaders and fostering civic innovation.

The Agency also urged Nigerians to follow the Grand Finale through its official media channels and nationwide broadcasts.

NOA Names Zonal Champions for 2025 National Campus Debate