-As UNILAG Wins 2024 Pharmanews Debate Contest
Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited, has urged Pharmacy students to embrace critical thinking and leadership skills as essential tools for their future careers, while reaffirming his commitment to nurturing the next generation of pharmacists through initiatives like the Pharmanews Inter-School Essay and Debate Competition.
The Pharmanews Publisher gave that charge at the fourth edition of the Pharmanews Inter-School Debate and Essay Competition, held during the 49th Convention of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State. He emphasised that such competitions go beyond public speaking, as it serves as platform for developing essential skills.
“Competitions like this are not merely exercises in public speaking or writing. They offer opportunities to develop critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork qualities that will shape both your academic and professional lives,” Atueyi stated.
His remarks set the tone for a day of intellectual engagement, as eight universities competed for top honours. The event attracted over 200 Pharmacy students from across Nigeria, with the debate sparking fierce competition among the participating schools.
In a closely contested final, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) emerged victorious, defeating the host institution, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), after intense rounds of debate.
Speaking at the event, the outgoing National President of PANS, Melody Okereke, expressed his delight at the high level of intellectual discourse displayed throughout the competition. “We are excited to welcome all the participating teams. The enthusiasm and performance of the students have been outstanding, and I commend the judges for their impartiality,” he said.
Ikrama Aliyu, the newly elected PANS President, lauded Pharmanews for its vital role in fostering growth within the pharmacy community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when the journal provided an online version accessible to students across the country. “I look forward to deepening our partnership as we prepare for our 50th anniversary, which will coincide with the fifth edition of the Pharmanews inter-school debate,” Aliyu added.
Babagarirei Yaseen, the national general secretary-elect and chief judge of the competition, praised the debate’s intellectual rigor and its potential to shape future leaders. “This debate is one of the best experiences I’ve had at this convention. It gives students a chance to explore their capabilities, and I believe it will continue to grow and make an even greater impact in the future,” Yaseen noted.
The competition also drew praise from other panelists and participants. Abu David, President of PANS, University of Jos (UNIJOS), commended Pharmanews for providing a platform for students to showcase their talents, while Joyann Oluchhukwu Amaefule, Vice President of PANS, Niger Delta University, expressed her excitement about the event and her intention to establish a debate team in her faculty after witnessing the competition’s standard.
The final day of the competition featured four universities—UNILORIN, UNILAG, Niger Delta University (NDU), and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), following the elimination of four other schools during the preliminary rounds.
Muhammad Sobur, national public relations officer of PANS, outlined the criteria used to score participants, which included the use of evidence to support arguments, fluency and poise in delivery, and the relevance of arguments to real-world outcomes.
The motions debated included, “The illicit use of drugs ought to be treated as a matter of public health, not criminal justice,” “Student loans in Nigeria: A necessary financial support for youth or a path to lifelong debt?” and “The ‘japa’ syndrome: Is youth migration from Nigeria justified or should It be hindered?”
In the final round, UNILAG’s team delivered a compelling argument on the ‘Japa’ Syndrome, securing their victory with a score of 73.1 points, while UNILORIN came in second with 67.9 points. Niger Delta University placed third with 61.3 points.
In his concluding speech, Atueyi, represented by Adebayo Oladejo, senior reporter at Pharmanews, remarked, “Regardless of today’s outcome, I hope each participant leaves here more inspired and determined to make impactful contributions to the pharmacy profession.”
The Pharmanews Debate and Essay Competition continues to stand as a beacon of excellence, providing pharmacy students across Nigeria with a platform to sharpen their intellect and contribute to the evolving healthcare landscape.
 Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited, has urged Pharmacy students to embrace critical thinking and leadershi){kind=link}
I’d like to make a correction, NDU didn’t come third place in that debate competition but COOU.
I also participated in that debate and witnessed it myself.
Please do well to make the correction. Thank you