LILONGWE, Malawi — The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has emerged victorious in the national finals of the Shifting the Power Inter-University Debates, clinching victory against the University of Malawi (UNIMA) in a nail-biting contest on Friday night, as reported by Steria Manda.
LUANAR Triumphs with 222 Points
LUANAR tallied 222 points, narrowly defeating UNIMA, which achieved 219 points in a fiercely contested final round. This year’s debates featured intense competition as both universities battled their way through formidable contenders, including Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), and the Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA).
Objectives of the Debates
Initiated on January 26, the Shifting the Power debates aim to foster a generation of informed and socially responsible leaders who can challenge conventional development paradigms. The initiative seeks to provide young people with a platform to express their views on pressing issues.
Government Support and Vision
Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Bright Msaka, expressed his approval of the debate’s progress, highlighting the government’s commitment to empowering youth voices. He emphasized the importance of involving young people in shaping Malawi’s development trajectory.
“The youth represent both the present and the future,” Msaka noted, reinforcing the necessity of their involvement.
Recognition of Sponsors
Msaka commended organizations like the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) and the Tilitonse Foundation for cultivating a platform that enables young individuals to articulate their ideas effectively.
“It’s time for Malawi and Africa to become incubators for locally driven ideas,” he reiterated.
Celebrating the Victory
Emmanuel Kaunda, Vice Chancellor of LUANAR, described the team’s triumph as a reflection of the hard work and dedication represented by the university’s debate squad. He attributed the success to the commitment of staff members who provide mentorship and support to students.
“We will award each champion a token of K400,000 to motivate them as they prepare for international representation,” Kaunda announced.
Looking Ahead to International Competition
With their national victory, LUANAR will represent Malawi in the Pan-African finale set to take place in Accra, Ghana, later this month. They will face off against teams from Ghana and Zambia.
Acknowledging Team Performance
Robert White, CEO of the Tilitonse Foundation, voiced satisfaction with the overall execution of the debates, affirming the winning team’s eligibility based on established criteria.
“The debates have been seamlessly conducted, and the winning team certainly deserves the trophy. We have confidence in their potential to excel on the international stage,” said White.
Prizes and Areas of Focus
As champions, LUANAR received a trophy, individual tablets, and a MiFi device, with similar prizes being awarded to the runners-up. The debates have addressed key thematic issues such as gender justice, climate action, mental health, early childhood development, and democratic governance.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Goals
This initiative has been made possible through support from UK development partners and Comic Relief, with participation from Ghana, Zambia, and Malawi in a broader regional dialogue. The ongoing effort aims to create a future where the voices of youth are given the prominence they deserve in addressing national and continental challenges.
