By Gift Obiajuru Ukadikebuazua

On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, representatives from the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), University of Benin chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of the Social Sciences Students’ Association (SOSSA), University of Benin chapter, Comr. Aghafekokhian Oyomire Osawaru, and Hon. Daniel Ehiewele (parliamentarian of the students’ association – SOSSA Parliament), as the host and co-host, respectively, of a students’ debate tagged “Clash of socials” with the theme “Exploring the roles of social science disciplines in addressing corruption in Nigeria” in partnership with another association called UNIBEN Debate Society. The debate is scheduled to hold on 12th and 13th July at the Parliamentary Hall, June 12 Complex, and on 14th July at LT2, Faculty of Social Sciences.

The purpose of the visit by ACJ UNIBEN was for an interactive session with the organizers of the debate to find out the aim of the debate being organized in partnership with UNIBEN Debate Society. The interactive session was done at the Faculty of Social Sciences, secretariat of the National Association of Political Science students (NAPSS).

A brief profiling of the host and co-host of the students’ debate shows that the host, Comr. Aghafekokhian Oyomire Osawaru, is an ultimate (400L) student of the Department of Political Science, as well as the deputy governor of the Social Sciences Students’ Association (SOSSA), UNIBEN chapter, while the co-host, Hon. Daniel Ehiewele, is a 200-level student of the Department of Political Science and a member of the SOSSA parliament. They both came together to start the students’ debate, an initiative believed to be the first of its kind in the association since inception at the University of Benin in partnership with UNIBEN Debate Society.

The interview was conducted by CJ Elizabeth, the director of welfare, ACJ UNIBEN, accompanied by CJ Gift Obiajuru Ukadikebuazua and CJ Victoria Bassey. The interview session kicked off at about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. A series of questions were asked by the representatives of the ACJ UNIBEN and were responded to by the host and her co-host.

Why did you choose to explore the role of social science disciplines in addressing corruption in Nigeria?

“Well, because we are social animals, Nigeria as a case study, there are different things that are happening in the country, for instance. So, I feel that if we can use our social science disciplines of probably Political Science, public administration, even geography and regional planning to address such issues, maybe we can find the solution and a way forward in addressing such issues,” Oyomire said.

You said “maybe” while talking, is that to say you are not sure that this will be a solution?

“Well, nothing is 100% sure, especially in a country such as Nigeria. So, if we can at least get a 70% benchmark, then it is possible.”

Please explain the criteria for participation in the debate and clarify who is eligible to participate.

“The debate is open for all SOSSANS; each department is supposed to bring three persons to register, and once registered, there will be a bit of an interview before they go out there for the debate. Basically, they will register with a tangible amount of money, not much though. The Deputy Governor and I, in partnership with UNIBEN Debate Society, will do the clearance. The criteria there, one of them is not making use of ChatGPT, and we will give them their topics for the debate two days to the debate day, and for the grand finale, they will be given their topics on that day. We will be using the British Parliamentary style on that day,” Hon. Ehiewele said.

So, the debate is specifically for students of your faculty?

“Yes.”

But you are having UNIBEN students as observers?

“Yes, other UNIBEN students are allowed to come and observe,” Hon. Ehiewele said.

Could you provide some insight into the format and structure of the debate?

“It is a three-person team, two speakers. First speaker 7 mins, second speaker 5 mins, and it is going to be rotational, like the departments that advance to the next level,” Comr. Oyomire explained.

How will you ensure multiple perspectives are represented, and that the discussion remains balanced?

“That will be on the part of UNIBEN Debate Society, that is the Judges. We are not just working alone; we are partnering with UNIBEN Debate Society,” Hon. Ehiewele said.

How do you anticipate the outcomes of this debate will contribute to the ongoing efforts to address corruption in Nigeria, considering the theme of the debate?

“First of all, we are social scientists, and the world is our lab, so I feel like after this debate, most persons who will likely listen to the debates and find out that these might be the issues they are facing might try and apply them. We are always doing theory, now it is time to practicalize what we have learned, especially from this debate in our modern society,” Comr. Oyomire said.

In other words, you are saying that this debate is actually going to prepare these students for the future?

“Yes, not just students of the faculty but the university at large. Basically to address some issues facing the society,” Comr. Oyomire said.

Please tell us how this event will specifically benefit the student community, especially students of the Faculty of Social Sciences?

“Firstly, this should be the first of its kind in the faculty because, over time, I am uncertain there has been any debate. We have not hosted any debate in the faculty, so this should be the first of its kind, so with time, people will want to participate more. It will enlighten them, especially when it comes to debating; they can learn more from debates,” Hon. Ehiewele said.

Do you have plans to organize more debates or programs for the faculty that will benefit the students?

“Unfortunately, I am in my last year, so there is no way I will be able to, but my co-host is in his second year, so maybe he will have the opportunity to try and host more events like this. Maybe I can support after graduation, but I cannot organize anything else, as this should be my first and last planned event,” Comr. Oyomire said.

“I have an initiative, the ‘Ehiewele Daniel Initiative,’ through which I host academic programs, so this will not be the last. There will be future plans of hosting different academic programs. Later, we will host another program, next session we will host another program,” Hon. Ehiewele added.

You said you host academic programs. Are the programs online platforms or a physical one? Can you tell us briefly what it is about?

“Okay, it is physical. I think this should be my third program, although I don’t put them as my own; I partner with offices. This will be my third program in school; I did one with the immediate outgone NAPSS president (NAPSS Leadership Development Forum), I did a debate in my department, and now this is the first time I am taking

it to the faculty. So, with time, we will be doing more programs,” Hon. Ehiewele said.

And you are just in your second year?

“Yes.”

What will be your message to the entire student body?

“My message to the students: just do your thing, do what you want to do, do not be discouraged. Secondly, don’t give up because, I think this should be my third program, sincerely speaking, I have faced a lot of challenges, yet I am standing strong. So don’t give up, do not feel that you are too small. One thing I hear people say is that ‘you are in your second year, and you are doing these programs, are you sure nobody is backing you up or what is your financial strength?’ Sincerely, I have no money, but two programs that I did were a success, and this will be a huge success. So just don’t give up, be encouraged, keep doing what you know how to do best. Thank you,” Hon. Ehiewele said.

“Basically, just stay true to yourself and remember the reason you came to school. Don’t sidetrack, and even when you want to sidetrack, it should be positively, but remember the main reason you are in school. That is just it,” Comr. Oyomire added.

Will the debate be open for all UNIBEN students beyond this faculty to witness?

“In attendance, we are hoping that for the finale, we can get UNIBEN students to be in attendance, but the first and second day is just SOSSANS because of crowd control and limited resources,” the Deputy Governor concluded.

CJ Elizabeth ended the interview with a closing remark as she appreciated their commitment to promoting inclusivity and engagement. “We wish you a successful and impactful debate program. We hope to see you some other time,” she said.

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