By Amaechi Agbo

Enugu – On Friday, October 25th, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, emerged winner of the 042 Coal City Debate competition organised by the Enugu State Government in collaboration with Zenith Bank

To emerge victorious, ESUT defeated the likes on University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN: State University of Medicine and Applied Sciences (SUMAS); Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) and more than ten others to secure the grand prize of fifteen million naira (₦15, 000 000.00)

“To reach this height, was not a mean venture”, Rtr. Eze Michael Uzochukwu, the President, Enugu State University Medical Students Association, ESUMSA, who represented ESUT at the competition, told ESUT Monitor in an exclusive interview.

“All the tertiary institutions in Enugu State took part in the competition, so our winning it was as a result of hardwork, commitment and sacrifices. It was not an easy venture but at the end, the outcome justifies the efforts,” he continued.

Rtr Eze explained that initially four ESUMAS’ teams applied for the competition, but two progressed. The two teams were Team Legion, who won the competition and Team Paragon. Both teams are made up of five debaters each.

“Our debate teams were formed through a randomized selection process, where members who drew the same number were grouped, allowing them to cultivate teamwork beyond their usual friendships. This approach encouraged participants to remain diligent, as working with unfamiliar team members fostered a natural accountability. Each team had a dedicated researcher responsible for gathering information, though other members also contributed.

“Additionally, some members of the disqualified teams joined the remaining team to strengthen its chances of victory. Balancing medical training with research on topics outside our academic focus was challenging, especially when some members had exams. Nonetheless, they remained committed to achieving excellence in both areas.”

He explained what the victory meant to the students, college and ESUT generally and encouraged students to remain focused in utilizing their potentials

“This victory is significant for our association, aligning with our vision to be a pioneering organization that other medical students nationwide admire. It reflects the mandate of our College Provost, Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi, who, in his first meeting with us following his appointment, expressed his desire for our College to be renowned, like a beacon set on a hill. I am pleased that we are meeting his expectations, as he has consistently been a supportive and inspirational leader.

“The Vice-Chancellor is a revolutionist. He is changing the narrative and this victory is an outcome of his visionary leadership.

“I sincerely commend the Enugu State Government for creating a platform where youth can engage in constructive discussions on relevant issues. By promoting education, they are laying the groundwork for economic growth, equipping our youth for impactful future representation.

“I encourage every ESUT student to embrace the opportunity to represent our esteemed institution whenever it arises. We possess the potential to excel among our peers, and only by challenging ourselves can we identify and refine areas for growth, preparing us for even greater aspirations ahead,” ESUMSA President said.

The 042 Coal City Debate competition tagged “042 Cool_it’ is aimed at empowering youths with accurate information, fostering self-awareness, and enabling introspection regarding their core values. By cultivating informed opinions, it sought to challenge the prevailing culture of groupthink and support the development of individual belief systems based on reasoned perspectives.

After the victory, what next for ESUMSA and ESUT? President Eze Michael Uzuchukwu says the association is poised for greater challenges even as they seek to conquer South-East in the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) South-East quiz competition

“Although the debate organized by the Enugu State Government has concluded, we are eager to participate in any upcoming regional or national debate competitions. Our quiz team is actively engaged in a competition organized by the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) South-East.

“In the two initial phases, our Medical Students Association excelled as the top-performing team. We are now preparing to secure victory in the final round, which would qualify us for the National Quiz Championship. This national event will bring together the best teams from medical schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,” the President concluded.

Below is the list of ESUMSA Debating Teams that participated at the 042 Coal City Debate competition:

TEAM LEGION (WINNER)

Aka Obinna Celestine

Madu Adaobi Portia

Adiele Rejoice Chindo

Obingene Miracle Chinonyelum

Ezugwu Chisom Cynthia

TEAM PARAGON

Obasi Victor Chimamkpam

Abonyi Rosemary Uzoamaka

Egudu Innocent Onyedikachi

Obiora Chizitalu Olivia

Edeani Victory Akachukwu