Nigeria’s debate culture is vibrant and steadily growing, supported by numerous platforms that help young people sharpen their reasoning, confidence, and civic awareness. From the President’s Schools Debate to the I Beg To Differ (IBTD) tournament, the National Schools Debate, and the Jendol Annual Debate Championship, the country is home to a rich network of competitions that inspire students to think critically and articulate their ideas boldly.
Yet, amid this expanding ecosystem, Dare2Debate is carving a distinct identity, one that challenges norms, encourages intellectual freedom, and introduces a refreshing approach to student engagement.
Unlike many traditional platforms, Dare2Debate prioritises unrestricted intellectual exploration, especially in a time when teachers and students often shy away from controversial or sensitive subjects.
Team Lead at HACMedia, Davies Ikpoyi, spots the dangers of limiting discussions in schools, noting that such restrictions threaten academic integrity. Dare2Debate ensures students are not afraid to confront or express opinions on complex issues such as abortion, euthanasia, immigration, or race.
This unfiltered approach fosters an environment where young people learn not only to debate, but to engage responsibly with opposing viewpoints, even when those views are uncomfortable.
The initiative also stands out for its innovative techniques, which encourage debaters to step outside traditional structures. Ikpoyi suggests schools rethink even simple elements like classroom arrangement and introduce tasks such as defending viewpoints students personally disagree with. This method strengthens intellectual flexibility, teaching learners to analyse issues from multiple angles. Such innovation is rarely seen in other platforms, where the focus often remains on performance, scoring, and decorum rather than the deeper cognitive skills debate can nurture.
Beyond technique, Dare2Debate creates a safe arena for challenging conversations, a feature that distinguishes it from more conventional competitions. Students are urged not to fear judgment for addressing tough topics, promoting a culture of open expression rather than self-censorship. IIkpoyi also stressed that meaningful dialogue is impossible if students are discouraged from discussing sensitive matters. Dare2Debate therefore builds resilience, empathy, and the ability to handle disagreements, skills essential for effective participation in modern society.
This upcoming December in Ikeja, Lagos, Dare2Debate will host six schools in what promises to be a transformative intellectual encounter. But what truly sets the event apart is its community-driven model, where schools, students, and facilitators collaborate to exchange ideas beyond competition. This participatory spirit echoes the mission of other notable platforms such as the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) School Debate Competition, which promotes patriotism, and the Jendol Annual Debate Championship, which focuses on intellectual development across Lagos and Ogun States.
Similarly, the President’s Schools Debate (PSD) aims to build civic responsibility through national and international debating events, while I Beg To Differ (IBTD) has grown into one of the most intense and widely followed secondary school debate tournaments, known for its thought-provoking matchups. The National Schools Debate, established in 2023, continues to rise as a premier national platform, focusing on fostering open dialogue among students across the country. Each of these competitions contributes significantly to the national debate landscape, but Dare2Debate distinguishes itself by merging academic courage with creative discourse.
In essence, Dare2Debate dares to push boundaries. It inspires students to think without fear, challenges educators to adopt more dynamic approaches, and encourages society to welcome nuanced discussions.
While Nigeria already boasts a strong debate culture through multiple initiatives, Dare2Debate introduces a bold, innovative, and intellectually liberating platform that prepares students not just to argue, but to understand, empathise, and lead with confidence.
