UDUS Wins 2025 Caliphate Debate, Produces Best, Second-Best Speakers

The Usmanu Danfodiyo University Debate Club (UDC) has won the 6th Edition of the 2025 Caliphate Debate, emerging overall champions after securing four victories out of five rounds at the finals held on 1st of December at the Sokoto Guest Inn.

The annual Caliphate Debate features eight tertiary institutions, including Sokoto State University, Northwest University, UDUS, SAISA, CONS UDUTH, Al-Huda College of Health and Technology, and Gamji College of Health and Technology. The previous edition of the competition was won by UDUS.

Thee 6th edition of the competition included five preliminary rounds. One of the rounds was conducted as a “blind round,” which kept the outcome unknown to participants until results were announced.

UDUS was represented by Muhammadjawad Oloruntoyin, a 500-level Law student, and Umar Maryam, a 400-level Law student. They served as the institution’s only team in the tournament.

UDUS advanced to the final as the top-ranked team and competed against Sokoto State University, SAISA and CONS UDUTH. The event ended with UDUS emerging champion, while Sokoto State University finished as first runner-up and SAISA as second runner-up.

Oloruntoyin was named Best Speaker of the tournament, while Maryam emerged as Second Best Speaker. The winning team received an award and automatic membership into the Caliphate Book Club, granting them access to a wide range of books. Both individual winners were also presented with awards.

“I waited for two months and even spent my holiday in school because of this debate. I am the happiest one,” Oloruntoyin told the Digest Press 

He added that this was his first appearance in the competition and that participants are only allowed to compete once. He noted that he had been anticipating the opportunity since his 200-level days.

Oloruntoyin, who is also the president of the UDUS Debate Club, advised upcoming debaters to prepare thoroughly if they hope to represent the institution. He said the selection process is demanding and that UDUS’ legacy in the competition must be protected."