The All Nigerian Universities Debating Championships are less than a week away, and the excitement is picking up. And some interesting changes have already happened in the build-up to the showpiece of collegiate creativity and intelligence. As you prepare for the apex of debating and public speaking competitions in Nigeria, here are some updates for you:

Old Faces, New Hosts! 👀

The ANUDC Council communicated to delegates and media during an emergency meeting on Sunday, the 17th of August, that the centerpiece event would have a new host after a series of interactions and negotiations. Explaining the decision, the Chairman, Associate Professor Abdul-Lateef Adekunle Owoade, said the changes were to ensure the tournament could run smoothly and at a time when most of its participants would be available.

In the communication to delegates, he added: “We sincerely regret any inconvenience this sudden change of venue may cause and deeply appreciate your understanding. The decision was made in the collective interest of keeping to our calendar while ensuring the championship retains its quality and transformative impact.”

The dates, however, remain unchanged, with the tournament kicking off on Sunday, the 24th of August, and ending on Saturday, the 30th of the same month.

So who are our new hosts? And what city will Nigeria’s biggest institutional tournament be visiting next? 👀

You may remember them from the last time their name was on the trophy, or any of their loud and impressive products. The new host for ANUDC is the familiar University of Ilorin, Ilorin. Two-time hosts and two-time Champions, the “Better by Far” institutions will once again host Nigeria’s top university speakers.

The last time the championships were hosted in Ilorin was in February 2022, with an impressive tournament, as well as a new name on the trophy - University of Port Harcourt. With much at stake, and much anticipation, could we see yet another new winner? And another excellent story, shaped by grit, determination, and the desire to be, borrowing from our hosts here, undeniable?

Whatever it is, make sure to show up, so you don’t miss all the action, activities and drama (because we all love debate drama, don’t we?)

We’re ready! No CAP? 😕

Okay, so it’s like 168 hours to the tournament, and we haven’t gotten CAP and Tab team announcements. As how na? 😔

Well, we reached out to the Council and we have gossipppppp. 🤭

First, CAP selections have been made and communicated, and from what we've seen, it might just be the best team fielded yet. It's got quality, experience, competence (👀), and excitement with it. Some circuit favorites are on it too, but we won't give too much away.

Either way, they're already hard at work, cooking some amazing motions and tasks that'll push you to the limit and inspire you in new ways.

PS: we'll be introducing them ourselves in a very special way so look out for that. 👀

IA letters should also be out by the time this publication is up so check your email if you applied. From what we've learnt, it's another highly competitive pool so we look forward to seeing those that emerge.

Announcements for CAP and Tab team could be up as early as tomorrow (we're writing this at 7 pm on Monday, don't boo), so the wait will soon be over.

Get ready for an exciting tournament and an unreal experience. And of course, we'd be right there to bring you every moment, every flash of a camera, every snap in agreement, and every ring of the bell, because we're just cool like that. 😎 You're welcome.

Better start packing for ANUDC 2025! We guarantee it'll be a special one.