ATBU Students Shine at 11th National Universities Debate Competition

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has achieved remarkable success at the 2024 All Nigeria Universities Debating Championships (ANUDC). For the first time participating, ATBU's students advanced to the semi-finals, setting a new benchmark for debuting teams.

Held at Veritas University in Abuja, the competition featured over 40 teams from universities across Nigeria. ATBU was represented by two debate teams, two public speakers, and one adjudicator. The university's delegation was led by Fahad Abdullahi, President of the Students Union Government (SUG).

The ATBU teams excelled through eight rounds of preliminary debates and public speaking events, making it to both the quarterfinals and semifinals—a notable achievement for a first-time participant. Jane Mann-Effiong, a standout public speaker from ATBU, progressed to the semi-finals and was recognized among the top 15 public speakers of the tournament.

The debate teams included Umaru Shekoyemi Gift, Emmanuel John, Florence Ogah Abizun, and Khairat Oyiza Abdulrazaq. In addition to Mann-Effiong, Gbemisola and Henry Goni Patrick represented ATBU in the public speaking segment.

Muhammad Sadik Abubakar served as an adjudicator, participating in seven rounds of judging. This success underscores ATBU's growing prominence in national debate circles and highlights the university's commitment to fostering exceptional debating talent.