AE-FUNAI ranks 5th among African University in Public Speaking

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, AE-FUNAI had been ranked 5th among African Universities in the 2024 Pan African Universities Debating Championship.

The debate which was held at Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda from 15th to 22nd December, 2024.

The Pan African Universities Debating Championship is the largest inter collegiate debate competition that happens annually in the continent and the 2024 event had over 80 universities from 25 different countries in Africa in attendance.

The University was represented at the event by two students: Nwele Stanley Chiemerie, a 500 level student of the Faculty of Law and Uchenna Lydia Chinwendu, a 400 level student of the department of Agricultural Business and Extension.

Also, both students participated in the public speaking and debate streams of the competition.

As at the end of the final rankings, team AE-FUNAI emerged in the 5th position in public speaking, beating 75 other universities in the continent while it still remained the best university from Nigeria at the tournament.

Meanwhile, Uchendu Chinwendu Lydia was adjudged the best Nigerian public speaker and 5th in Africa at the tournament, which was an incredible feat The debate stream, Nwele Stanley Chiemerie made it to the semi finals of the competition, beating over 70 other universities to attain this feat.He made it through to the semi finals of public speaking too and was the 3rd best Nigerian public speaker at the tournament.

However, in 2024 alone; AE FUNAI Debating Society has clinched three national public speaking trophies and has yet again made a significant impact at the continental stage. This is due to the support of the Vice-Chancellor who has stopped at nothing in ensuring that the team remains on top of its game in the comity of African universities.

While speaking on the outstanding performances of the students in the competition, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, noted that their accomplishment was a testament of the “quality of academic activities in the university, and assured of his sustained commitment to turning-out graduates with the requisite skill-sets to play at both the continental and global state”.

He further commended the students and their handlers for being good ambassadors of the university, noting that their achievements have underscored the reputation of the university as a rapidly emerging education brand in the African continent.