The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced the commencement of the zonal stage of the National Campus Debate, bringing together tertiary institutions from across the country to compete under the theme: “Unity in Diversity: Defining National Identity in Nigeria’s Multicultural Society.”
The zonal contests, scheduled from September 23 to 25, 2025, follow state-level competitions and will determine the finalists for the national grand finale. At stake is a ₦50 million prize for the overall champion, ₦30 million for second place, and ₦20 million for third place.
North Central – Lokoja (Sept 23)
Venue: Idrinana Hotel Conference Hall, Lokoja, Kogi State
Schools: University of Mkar (Benue), Federal University Lokoja (Kogi), Al-Hikma University (Kwara), National Film Institute Jos (Plateau), Federal University of Technology Minna (Niger), Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic (Nasarawa), Nile University (FCT).
North West – Kaduna (Sept 24)
Venue: Martaba Hotel, Kaduna
Schools: Federal University Dutse (Jigawa), Air Force Institute of Technology (Kaduna), Baba Ahmad University (Kano), Isa Kaita College of Education Dutsinma (Katsina), Federal University of Agriculture Zuru (Kebbi), Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic (Sokoto), Huda University (Zamfara).
North East – Gombe (Sept 25)
Venue: Mahcozy Guest House, Gombe State
Schools: Modibbo Adama University Yola (Adamawa), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi (Bauchi), University of Maiduguri (Borno), Gombe State University (Gombe), Federal University Wukari (Taraba), Yobe State University (Yobe).
South South – Port Harcourt (Sept 25)
Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Schools: Benson Idahosa University (Edo), Sports University of Nigeria Idumuje-Ugboko (Delta), College of Nursing Sciences Calabar (Cross River), Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (Rivers), Nigerian Law School Agudama (Bayelsa), University of Uyo (Akwa Ibom).
South East – Umuahia (Sept 25)
Venue: Abia State Government JAAC Conference Hall, Umuahia, Abia State
Schools: Nigerian British University Aba (Abia), Shanahan University Onitsha (Anambra), Federal University of Allied Health Sciences Enugu (Enugu), School of Nursing & Midwifery Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (Ebonyi), Federal University of Technology Owerri (Imo).
South West – Abeokuta (Sept 25)
Venue: June 12 Cultural Centre Cinema Hall, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State
Schools: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso (Oyo), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (Ekiti), Osun State College of Education Ila-Orangun (Osun), Mountain Top University Mowe (Ogun), University of Medical Sciences Ondo (Ondo), Lagos State University (Lagos).
According to NOA, the initiative is designed to provide a unifying platform where young Nigerians can engage on issues of national identity, sharpen their critical thinking, and contribute to the discourse on strengthening unity in a multicultural society.
