The Economics Department, through the students’ association, received an invitation to participate in the inter-university debate competition for economics students in September this year. The debate was organized by the Nigerian Economics Students’ Association (NESA), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter. After informing the university management, we were allowed to attend the competition. To prepare for the competition, we organized an inter-level debate in the department to select two representatives. We went with ten students, with two participating in the debate, while the other eight students supported them. We went on 29/10/2014 and came back on 31/10 2014.
In attendance at the debate were the following universities; University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Adekunle Ajasin University, and Afe Babalola University. The topic was: THE INTRODUCTION OF ATM CHARGES: A GOOD OR BAD OMEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY. We were to speak on the motion that it is a bad omen. Our chief speaker was Olayoriju Busola, a 400 level student of the department, while the supporting speaker was Eguakun Ameze Elizabeth, a 100 level student of the department. The students were prepared by a lecturer in the department, A.K.John, who also went with them.
At the end of the competition, Afe BAbalola University won with a total mark of 58.8 points, while Lagos State University came second with a total of 54 points. University of Ibadan came third with a total of 53 points. Of particular mention was the performance of our lead speaker, Olayoriju Busola, who stole the show, with her outstanding performance. This made every person in attendance to commend Afe Babalola University.
The programme was chaired by the Vice –chancellor who was represented by the Sub-Dean, College of Social and Management Sciences. We came back on 31st October, 2014.