The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced the completion of the state-level stage of the 2025 National Campus Debate, a civic engagement initiative for students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
According to the Agency, institutions from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory participated between May and July 2025, submitting debate video entries for assessment. After internal screening at the NOA Headquarters, one institution per state has been confirmed to represent their state at the next stage of the competition.
In a statement, the Agency commended students for what it described as their “intellectual rigour and creativity,” while also praising its State Directorates for “exemplary coordination” throughout the state-level exercise.
The competition now advances to the Zonal Face-to-Face Debates scheduled to hold from 15th to 22nd September 2025 across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. First-place winners from each state will compete at this stage. The official theme for the debate is “Unity in Diversity: Defining National Identity in Nigeria’s Multicultural Society.”
The Grand Finale of the 2025 National Campus Debate is set to take place during Nigeria’s Independence Week in October 2025. The final stage, which will be held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, will serve as part of the 65th Independence Day celebrations. According to the NOA, zonal champions will face off in a televised final round that aims to showcase youth excellence and civic leadership.
Cash Prizes:
i. 1st Place (National Winner): ₦50 Million
ii. 2nd Place: ₦30 Million
iii. 3rd Place: ₦20 Million
The Agency also revealed that all zonal and national rounds will be livestreamed through NOA’s digital platforms and selected media partners. “We encourage the public, educational institutions, and civil society organisations to support and follow the competition,” the statement added.
This initiative is expected to promote civic education, national identity, and youth development while creating visibility through media coverage and online engagement.