INEC Mobilises Nigerian Youths To Shape The Future of Democracy Through Campus Debate

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on Nigerian youths to take a more active role in strengthening the country’s electoral process and democratic institutions as winning student teams from four universities converged at the University of Abuja for the grand finale of its Campus Debate Competition.

The competition, themed “Nigeria’s Electoral Process and Democracy,” brought together outstanding debate teams from the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Bayero University, Kano, and the University of Jos, following preliminary engagements organised across the four institutions.

The grand finale, hosted by the University of Abuja, provided a platform for students to demonstrate their understanding of Nigeria’s electoral system, exchange ideas on democratic governance and engage in constructive discussions on the country’s political future.

Speaking at the event, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Mohammed Haruna, said the Commission’s decision to engage universities through the initiative was deliberate, stressing that institutions of higher learning play a critical role in promoting intellectual development, civic responsibility and democratic consciousness.

Haruna noted that young people between the ages of 18 and 34 constitute the largest segment of Nigeria’s population, making their participation in elections and democratic governance essential to the country’s stability and development.

He emphasised that youth participation in democracy must go beyond voting on election day to include staying informed, understanding electoral processes, engaging constructively in public discourse and demanding accountability through lawful democratic means.

He urged the finalists to approach the competition with confidence, fairness and sportsmanship, noting that the knowledge and exposure gained through the process were as valuable as winning the ultimate prize.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described young Nigerians as indispensable to the sustenance of democracy and national development.
Fawehinmi observed that although young people constitute a significant proportion of the electorate, being registered voters does not automatically translate into active democratic participation.

He therefore urged students to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, participate in elections, reject electoral manipulation, ballot box snatching and other electoral vices, and hold elected leaders accountable.

He commended INEC for introducing the initiative, describing universities as natural partners in the promotion of civic education and national development.

Fawehinmi also expressed the university’s pride in hosting the grand finale, noting that the institution, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, remains committed to combining academic excellence with national unity.

In his vote of thanks, the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, urged participating students and young Nigerians to take the lessons from the competition beyond the university environment and become responsible advocates of democratic values in their communities and networks.

He appreciated the participating universities, students, members of the academic community, adjudicators, university coordinators and other partners whose contributions ensured the success of the initiative.

The event also featured the presentation of awards and prizes to the winning team( University of Jos) , first runner-up( Bayero University) and Second runner-up (University of Ibadan) team by the INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, alongside the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Fawehinmi.

The grand finale further featured a specially organised quiz competition for students of the host institution, adding to the intellectual engagement and enthusiasm of the occasion.

With Nigeria gradually moving towards the 2027 general elections, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening voter education and public enlightenment through sustained engagement with universities and other relevant institutions.