Monrovia, Liberia – The second Liberia National Inter-University Debate Competition, which will include nine universities, has been launched by the University of Liberia. Beginning on Monday, August 19, 2024, in the University of Liberia’s auditorium on Capitol Hill, the competition will run until August 25, 2024. As a result, UL will be hosting it for the first time since it was founded in 2023.
The following universities are competing in this year’s championship: the University of Liberia, Cuttington University, Nimba University, Adventist University of West Africa, African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), Stella Maris Polytechnic University, Notre Dame University, Faith University, and United Methodist University.
A wide range of researched topics pertaining to postsecondary education, the global economy and regional trade, environmental studies and climate change, science and technology, governance and the rule of law, peace and security, health sciences, corruption, etc. are expected to be discussed amongst competitors during the debate competition.
A public speaking category will also be included by the competition to this year’s national event. Liberia will be represented at the International Debate Championship in Bulgaria in 2025 by the winner of the competition’s second edition (2024).
UL Acting President Prof. Dr. Al Hassan Conteh praised the organizers for choosing the university to host the 2024 championship during the Opening Ceremony.
As the main organizers of the event, university students, are to contribute to the intellectual vitality and spirit of academic achievement that they possess, according to Dr. Conteh.
He informed the students that debate is a required component of higher education and that, like most universities, the UL views it as an essential curriculum activity.
Dr. Conteh reaffirmed that university students have an obligation to engage in discussions, pointing out that students are expected to learn about current topics, examine them from all angles, and present their positions with conviction and clarity.
Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations Karishma Pelham-Raad, for her part, praised the organizers’ efforts for bringing together young people from all backgrounds so they could share their knowledge and benefit from what they were learning.
The 2024 Inter-University Debate Competition opened with a demonstration of both individual and group high intelligence, according to Minister Pelham-Raad.
According to Min. Pelham-Raad, “this event represents the vibrant celebration of intellect, critical thinking, and the power of dialogue, in addition to marking the significant milestone in our academic calendar.”
She exhorted the audience to foster an attitude of inquiry, the quest for knowledge, and a dedication to reason.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
