By Njoku Jennifer
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) witnessed a stimulating intellectual showdown at its Inter-Faculty Debate held on Saturday, April 19, at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (B.M.S). Centered on the theme, “Word War I”, the event brought together vibrant student debaters from various faculties to engage in topical discussions around social issues.
Hosted by Aisosa Bazuaye and co-anchored by Marvelous Chidinma, the event kicked off promptly at 12 p.m. with the national anthem led by Mr. Rollins, a representative of the National Orientation Agency, followed by the national prayer. Mr Bazuaye recognized and appreciated the sponsors of the event, including The Big Catalyst Initiatives, Junior Chamber International (JCI), the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), B.M.S, the Student Union Government (SUG), and the Vice President and Secretary-General of BAMSA, who also served as the convener of the event.
The convener delivered the welcome address and acknowledged the faculties in attendance before the debates began.
The opening debate featured the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Pharmacy, who argued for and against the motion: “Social Media Obsession with Wealth Is Making Young People Value Money over Hard Work.”
Oreoluwa Chinazo from Education opened the floor by criticizing the negative influence of social media, stating it promotes a get-rich-quick mentality among youths and discourages skill development. He cited platforms like MMM and CBEX as examples of the lure of instant wealth.
Countering this, Special Okole from Pharmacy defended social media as a reflection of societal values, insisting that corrupt intentions existed long before the advent of social media.
The second speaker from Education, Ose, emphasized how social media pressures youth with glamorized lifestyles, fostering sentiments like “school na scam.” Meanwhile, Michael Okoro of Pharmacy argued metaphorically that “to treat the disease, we must eradicate the mosquito,” stressing root causes over symptoms.
The next topic, “How Social Media Has Clouded the Minds of Youth to Japa,” saw the Faculty of Engineering and B.M.S face off.
Adebayo Martins from Engineering highlighted how social media glamorizes life abroad, using a personal anecdote of an uncle who migrated only to face harsh realities. In response, Odiachaka-Charles Kamsi from B.M.S defended migration as a survival strategy amidst Nigeria’s insecurity, citing biblical support and stating, “Step into my realm.”
The debate continued with the second Engineering speaker labelling the Japa trend as “modern slavery,” while Kemi Okoro of B.M.S argued that reality, not just social media, drives migration desires.
Another fierce debate featured Dentistry and Physical Sciences on the motion: “Our Current Approach to Drug Abuse Focuses on Punishment More than Rehabilitation.” Dentistry supported the motion while Physical Sciences opposed it, delivering compelling arguments that captivated the audience.
The Faculty of Law was left to support a motion unopposed due to the absence of the Faculty of Social Sciences, while Ekenwan and Life Sciences also had their turn before the debate broke for an interactive game session.
Post-break, results from the first round revealed B.M.S, Dentistry, and Pharmacy advancing to the finals, while Physical Sciences and Law were tied. A tiebreaker debate on “Zoos Should Be Banned” saw Law proceed to the finals.
In the final round, the motion debated was: “In Emerging Democracies, Propaganda Is a Necessary Evil of Democracy to Keep Unity.” After intense arguments from all finalists, the Faculty of Dentistry emerged as the 2nd runner-up with 147.3 points, B.M.S took 1st runner-up with 157 points, while Pharmacy clinched victory with 159 points.
All finalists received cash prizes and certificates, concluding the event in a celebratory mood.