Welcome to University of Abuja

Education

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Education

300-Level University of Abuja Law Student Wins Amnesty International/French Embassy Debate Competition

Mr. Adeyemi Sky, a 300-level Law student at the University of Abuja, has emerged as the winner of the Amnesty International and French Embassy Debate competition for students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The debate, held on Tuesday in Abuja, was organized by Amnesty International in collaboration with the French Embassy to mark the 2024 International Law Day and raise awareness about the right to education.

Barbara Magaji, Programme Manager at Amnesty International, addressed participants during the event, emphasizing that every child, regardless of their location or socioeconomic background, is entitled to an education. She stressed that the debate aimed to enhance legal understanding, raise awareness of human rights, and provide a platform for students to engage in discussions on educational rights and propose actionable solutions.

"Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege," Magaji stated, highlighting that access to education should not be restricted to urban areas but should be available to all children, no matter where they live. She also noted that the event allowed students to learn about their rights and how to protect them.

Ketty Ris, Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy, echoed Magaji’s sentiments, stating that education is universally recognized as a fundamental human right. She referenced key international agreements, such as Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, all of which affirm every child's right to education.

Ris pointed out that over 18.5 million children in Nigeria are out of school, with 60% of them being girls. She called this situation a tragic reflection of unrealized potential, urging the students to develop critical thinking and advocacy skills to address such challenges.

Dr. Nasir Muktar, Director of Clinical Legal Education at the University of Abuja, also spoke at the event, underscoring that the right to education is enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and should be enforced through proper frameworks. He also suggested that Nigeria's education system needs to be adapted to better reflect the country's indigenous culture and needs.

Mr. Adeyemi Sky, the debate winner, advocated for increased government investment in education, noting that UNESCO recommends allocating at least 15-20% of the national budget to education—an allocation that, according to Sky, is currently insufficient. He warned that inadequate funding is contributing to the growing number of children unable to access schooling.

In the secondary school segment of the competition, Mr. Shigusa Dankudara emerged as the winner. He praised the organizers for the initiative and called for the continuation of such events to further enrich the educational experience of young Nigerians.