By Isaiah Eka
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has said that its planned national campus debate initiative for tertiary institutions will promote national unity and integration.
NOA’s Director in Akwa Ibom, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom who made the statement while speaking to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, said that the debate would promote critical thinking.
Mkpoutom said that the topic of the debate at the state level was: “Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship”
“The debate is designed to foster national integration, promote critical thinking and amplify the voice of the youth within public discourse,” he said.
He urged heads of tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom to evolve policies that would support the initiative in order to give vent to the voice of the youth.
The NOA official said that the topic would analyse how digital technologies and innovative thinking could unlock entrepreneurial potential and drive inclusive economic growth.
“It’s not a mere extra-curricular activity, it is an essential component of a holistic education that prepares students for the complexities of modern life,” he said.
Mkpoutom further said that the debate would empower students to become informed, articulate and prepared to tackle the challenges of life.
“We have already dispatched letters inviting higher institutions in the state to participate in the exercise.
“All higher institutions in the state are qualified to participate. We urge the authorities to support their students to participate in the debate,” he said. NAN
