NASSS Organizes Inter-departmental Debate To Enhance Academic Competence

By Abdulsalam Maryam Umma, Ozomarisi Rahama Onozasi and Mohammed Aliyu Baba

The leadership of the National Association of Social Science Students (NASSS) under the leadership of Comrade Umar J. Umar has organized an Inter-departmental Debate to strengthen academic competence and students' engagement in national issues, especially the government policies that affect them directly or indirectly.

The debate which took place this Friday at the Faculty of Social Sciences Lecture Theater was the first of its kind in the faculty for over five years since the last debate was organized.

The debate comprised “Panels A and B,” in which Mass Communication and International Studies Departments made up “Panel A” with the topic: STUDENT LOAN SCHEME: The Implementation of Student Loan Scheme Is The Most Effective Solution To Enhance Access To Higher Education In Nigeria, while the departments of Political Science and Sociology were in “Panel B” with a debating topic: DEGREE NOT SKILL: Skills Acquisition Should Be Prioritized Over Academic Degrees On The Workplace.

In the day one event, the Department of International Studies was made to support the motion on the student loan policy, while the Department of Mass Communication went against the motion. In the same vein, the political science department was in support of degree not skill, while sociology chose to fight against the motion.

The debaters of all sides engaged in incisive argument and fruitful discussion throughout the session that saw the Department of International Studies emerge victorious over the Department of Mass Communication in “Panel A,” while the Department of Sociology pushed aside the Department of Political Science to emerge winner in “Panel B.” The two Winners are now expected to clash or meet next week on Friday, 8th March 2024 from 10am to 1pm. This will be the second day to determine the overall winner of the entire debate session.

During the debate, the guest lecturer at the event and head of the Department of Political Science and International Studies, Dr. Rahanatu Lawal eulogized NASSS Leadership, who is the organizer of the debate for the brilliant engagement of the students in such an activity.

She said the management of the faculty of Social Sciences in particular and the university in general is always ready to support the students' efforts in enhancing academic endeavours.

“This is commendable, and I urged the organizers to keep the good work. The Heads of departments and the Dean of faculty of Social Sciences, and of course, the Vice Chancellor of the university are always ready to support your activities for academic development of the school. And this kind of activity will surely give you the rare opportunity to express yourselves and build your competence and confidence in the public domain,” she said.

Other lecturers present advised the government to prioritize education for the sustainable development of the country in all ramifications. They added that the power of both the Skill acquisition and the Degree cannot be overemphasized, Urging the students to engage in skill acquisition programmes while pursuing their degree for self-reliance.

Some members of the panel of judges who spoke to ABU Campus Press advised the organizers to take the event beyond the debate considering the importance of the topics debated upon. They said “it won't be a bad idea if the organizers can invite experts to discuss these topics further in the form of a workshop/symposium. They are actually very important topics in line with the nation's current realities.”

The President of the Association, Comrade Umar J Umar appreciated the members of the organizing committee and the participants for their roles in making the event a reality.

The final stage of the debate comes up next week on Friday. ABU Campus Press will surely bring you the details in its subsequent report. Keep your fingers crossed.