LASU ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATE WIN
Lagos State University (LASU) has emerged victorious in the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) Inter-Tertiary Institutions Debate Competition, outperforming six other universities in a highly competitive contest. This event was a highlight of the 2025 Inter-Tertiary Institutions Environmental Summit, organized in collaboration with eTranzact, and included both essay writing and debate challenges, attracting participants from top universities in Lagos.
The LASU debate team, guided by manager Samuel Olomu, consisted of five exceptional students: Oladipupo Ramadan (300-Level, Computer Science), Atere Sarah Olateju (400-Level, Law), Ajeniya Abdulquadri (400-Level, Law), Kelvin Chukwuemeke Osadebe (300-Level, Public Administration), and Sulaiman Samad Olaitan (300-Level, English Language).
During the preliminary rounds on May 19, 2025, held at the LASEPA Headquarters Conference Room in Alausa, LASU achieved an impressive 85% score, the highest among competitors, despite fierce challenges from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), St Augustine College of Education, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Anchor University, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
In the final round on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, LASU faced off against LASUSTECH in a crucial debate on the topic: “Plastic Pollution and the Challenges of Just Transition in a Developing Economy: Lagos as a Case Study.”
The LASU team delivered strong arguments highlighting the urgent necessity for Lagos to move away from plastics to address its environmental challenges. Their focus on policy reforms, sustainable alternatives, and boosting public awareness made their presentation compelling.
With their thorough research and persuasive delivery, they secured the championship title and a cash prize of N1 million, further solidifying LASU’s status as a leader in academic excellence and discourse on environmental sustainability
Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, who serves as the Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs at Lagos State University, expressed great pride in the team’s accomplishment. He credited their win to the intellectual brilliance and dedication of LASU students. “Today’s victory emphasizes our status as a premier institution excelling in both academic and extracurricular activities. Our students consistently demonstrate their capabilities as champions, thanks to the supportive and intellectually stimulating environment fostered by our esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, who prioritizes student development and academic growth,” he stated.
While he praised LASEPA for organizing this initiative, he highlighted that competitions like this are invaluable as they challenge students to critically engage with pressing real-world issues, thereby preparing them to be future leaders and contributors to the policy and development processes.
Samuel Olomu, the manager of the LASU debate team, praised the team’s determination, which he attributed to their rigorous preparation, exceptional skill, and teamwork. “Winning against institutions such as UNILAG and LASUSTECH showcases LASU’s strength in intellectual debate. I encourage the Lagos State Government to maintain such platforms, as they cultivate the next generation of leaders in environmental sustainability.”
This competition not only highlighted academic excellence but also underscored the significant role youth play in promoting sustainable development. With this victory, LASU cements its status as a center of academic distinction and amplifies its role in addressing the nation’s challenges through meaningful discussions.
