The Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Abiodun Adebayo, has tasked higher institutions, being Centers of knowledge, with the need to raise critical thinkers that would transform the nation, thereby helping to solve most of its daunting challenges.
He made this call during his opening remark at the recently concluded 4th edition of the Covenant University Invitational Tournament (CUIV), which was hosted by the University in Canaanland, Ota, under the auspices of All Nigeria Universities Debate Championship (ANUDC).
While making his remarks at the commencement of the event, the Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Abiodun Adebayo, appreciated the organizers and participating universities, stating that the program was designed to encourage a healthy reading and writing culture among undergraduate students.
He stated that Covenant is delighted to organize this Invitational Championship to raise a crop of critical thinkers among young Nigerians, stating, "We expect that participants will have enhanced critical thinking skills, research, organizing, presentation, and eloquence in public speaking by the close of this event."
He pointed out that Nigeria, and indeed the world, continues to experience socio-economic challenges that call for critical thinking and the concerted efforts of all and sundry to prevent our ecosystem from sliding beyond redemption.
While the roles of young people have been acknowledged as essential to attaining sustainable development goals, he stated that, "It is equally vital for them to be equipped with the nuance of effective reading and writing, which is essential, considering its implications on young people's academic and professional performance."
The Vice-Chancellor decried the negative effect of the growth of digital media as a source of information, which has reduced the ability of young people to assess the information they are exposed to critically. He emphasized that Critical Thinking skills are crucial in helping students achieve more than a cursory understanding of any subject, thereby helping them form their own opinions.
He noted that Covenant is committed to operating a holistic, human development and integrated learning curriculum to raise men and women who will bring lasting change to our nation and continent. The University, he said, is built on a sound philosophical foundation that demonstrates a shift from form to skill, knowledge to empowerment, figures to future building, legalism to realism, points to facts, and from mathematics to "life-matics."
"As an institution, our drive for excellence and growth emanates from the compelling nature of the University's departure philosophy. Covenant's dogged commitment to her founding philosophy has distinguished her as a Centre of academic excellence," he opined.
In his remarks, the President of the All Nigeria Universities Debate Championship (ANUDC) and Chairman of the Council, Dr. A. A. Owoade, appreciated the Management of Covenant University for the great hospitality with which the institution has hosted the event a number of times to date.
He stated, "We recognize your excellence, great sense of responsibility, and dedication to debate and public speaking and the ANUDC in particular. You have been consistent with this Invitational Debate Competition, which has always received national attention. Covenant University has indeed proved that you are "Excellent" at the things you do and ANUDC is pleased to associate with the University," he added.
The event, which was held from Tuesday, August 1st to Saturday, August 6th, 2022, featured participants from other Universities, which included: University of Ilorin (Unilorin), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), University of Calabar (Unical), University of Port-Harcourt (Uniport), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Crawford University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), University of Lagos (Unilag), etc.
While making a brief introduction of the CUIV, the Staff Adviser of the Covenant University Invitational Tournament (CUIV), Dr. Kester Onah, thanked the University Management for the unwavering support accorded the organisation, providing leverage towards the promotion of intellectual discourse amongst the students. He encouraged the students to see the opportunity as healthy competition to be better students and debaters and not just about winning.
After 7 Preliminary Rounds, three out of the six Unilorin teams advanced to the knockout phase, which was the Semi-Finals. Teams from Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Calabar, University of Port Harcourt, and Nnamdi Azikwe University also made it to the Semi-Finals.
The eventual winners of the competition turned out to be the Unilorin team, composed of Oloruntoyin Muhammad Baqir and Muhammad Habeeb. The 1st runner-up position also went to another Unilorin team made up of Ayodele Samuel and Abimbola Obayemi.
All successful participants in different categories were decorated with respective medals and awards, while the 1st to 3rd place winners received trophies and cash prizes to celebrate their individual performances at the tournament. The awards were presented by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Adebayo; the Chaplain, Covenant University, Pastor Victor Hill; the Dean, College of Leadership Development Studies, Professor Charles Ogbulogo; and the Dean, Student Affairs, Professor David Imhinopi, respectively.
The 4th edition of the Covenant University Invitational Tournament (CUIV) was indeed an astounding success, proving once again that it is one of the largest and most prestigious institutional debate tournaments organized in the nation.
Also at the event were other Senior Officers of Covenant University and other participating Universities.