UNIUYO Engineering Students Invited to Join Faculty Debate Group: Build Public Speaking Skills

The Nigerian Universities Engineering Students' Association (NUESA), University of Uyo Chapter, invites all engineering students to join the Faculty Debate Group. This initiative, announced by NUESA President H.E. Comr. James Anietie, aims to develop public speaking, critical thinking, and advocacy skills among engineering students.

About the Faculty Debate Group

Purpose and Mission

The UNIUYO Faculty of Engineering Debate Group provides a platform for engineering students to:

• Develop public speaking and presentation skills
• Enhance critical thinking and analytical abilities
• Practice debating and argumentation techniques
• Build advocacy and persuasion capabilities
• Represent the engineering faculty effectively in inter-faculty competitions
• Foster intellectual discourse on engineering and societal topics
• Develop leadership and confidence

Target Participants

The debate group welcomes all engineering students from the Faculty of Engineering who are:

• Passionate about public speaking and intellectual discourse
• Interested in developing critical thinking skills
• Eager to represent the engineering faculty in debates
• Committed to personal and leadership development
• Willing to participate actively in debate activities

How to Join the Debate Group

Express Your Interest

To join the UNIUYO Faculty of Engineering Debate Group:

• Contact Person: Sifonabasi Jacob
• Phone Number: +234 701 472 3784
• Method: Call or WhatsApp to express your interest

What to Say When Contacting

When you reach out, provide the following information:

• Your full name
• Your department (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, etc.)
• Your current year of study
• Why you're interested in joining the debate group
• Any previous debating or public speaking experience (if applicable)

Benefits of Joining

Skills Development

• Public Speaking: Overcome stage fright, speak confidently before audiences
• Critical Thinking: Analyze arguments, identify logical fallacies, construct sound reasoning
• Research Skills: Learn to research topics thoroughly, gather evidence, cite sources
• Communication: Articulate complex engineering concepts clearly to diverse audiences
• Quick Thinking: Respond effectively to counterarguments and unexpected questions

Academic and Career Advantages

• Improved Presentations: Excel in academic presentations, project defenses, and thesis presentations
• Interview Success: Perform confidently in job interviews and scholarship interviews
• Leadership Development: Build confidence for student leadership positions
• Professional Networking: Connect with like-minded peers across engineering departments
• Resume Enhancement: Add valuable extracurricular activity to your CV

Competition Opportunities

• Represent UNIUYO Faculty of Engineering in inter-faculty debates
• Participate in inter-university engineering debate competitions
• Compete in national student debate tournaments
• Gain recognition and awards for exceptional performance

What to Expect as a Member

Training and Development

Debate group members can expect:

• Regular Training Sessions: Structured training on debate formats, argumentation, and public speaking
• Practice Debates: Opportunities to practice with fellow members in low-pressure environments
• Topic Research: Collaborative research on current issues in engineering, technology, and society
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced debaters and faculty advisors
• Feedback: Constructive criticism to improve speaking and argumentation skills

Meeting Schedule

While specific meeting times are not mentioned in the announcement, typical debate groups meet:

• Weekly or bi-weekly for training and practice
• Additional sessions before competitions
• At convenient times that accommodate students' academic schedules

No Prerequisites Required

Open to All Levels

The Faculty Debate Group welcomes students regardless of:

• Experience Level: No prior debating experience required - beginners welcome!
• Year of Study: All years (100 level to final year) can participate
• Department: All engineering departments represented
• Academic Performance: No minimum CGPA requirement mentioned

What Matters Most

• Genuine interest in public speaking and debate
• Willingness to learn and improve
• Commitment to attend meetings and practice sessions
• Openness to feedback and continuous development
• Desire to represent the engineering faculty positively

Why Engineering Students Should Debate

Bridging Technical and Communication Skills

Engineers must communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including:

• Non-technical stakeholders and clients
• Project teams with varied expertise
• Government regulators and policymakers
• Investors and business partners
• The general public

Career Success Factor

Research shows that communication skills are among the top attributes employers seek in engineering graduates. Debating develops these essential soft skills alongside technical expertise.

Leadership Development

Many engineering leaders credit debating with developing their:

• Confidence in presenting ideas
• Ability to think on their feet
• Skills in defending technical decisions
• Capacity to persuade and influence others

About NUESA UNIUYO

Student Association Overview

The Nigerian Universities Engineering Students' Association (NUESA) represents and advocates for engineering students across Nigerian universities. The UNIUYO chapter, led by President H.E. Comr. James Anietie, organizes:

• Academic development programs
• Professional skill-building initiatives
• Industry networking events
• Student welfare activities
• Leadership training opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need debating experience to join?

No. The group welcomes complete beginners. Training will be provided to develop your skills from the ground up.

Will it affect my academic performance?

When managed well, debate participation enhances academic performance by improving research, critical thinking, and presentation skills useful for coursework.

How much time commitment is required?

Typically a few hours per week for meetings and practice. The specific schedule will be determined based on members' availability.

Is there a membership fee?

The announcement does not mention any fees. Contact the coordinator (Sifonabasi Jacob) to confirm if any costs are involved.

Can I join if I'm shy or nervous about public speaking?

Absolutely! The debate group is designed to help shy students build confidence. Start in a supportive environment with fellow students.

What debate format will be used?

Details about specific formats (British Parliamentary, World Schools, etc.) can be confirmed when you contact the coordinator.

Take Action Today

Don't Miss This Opportunity

Developing public speaking and debating skills early in your engineering education provides lifelong benefits. These skills will serve you in:

• Academic presentations and project defenses
• Job interviews and career advancement
• Professional conferences and technical presentations
• Leadership positions in engineering organizations
• Entrepreneurial ventures requiring persuasion and pitching

Contact Information

• Coordinator: Sifonabasi Jacob
• Phone/WhatsApp: +234 701 472 3784
• Initiative By: H.E. Comr. James Anietie, NUESA UNIUYO President
• Announcement Date: January 3, 2026

Key Takeaways

• UNIUYO Faculty of Engineering launching debate group for all engineering students
• Focuses on public speaking, critical thinking, debating, and advocacy skills
• No prior experience required - beginners welcome
• Contact Sifonabasi Jacob (+234 701 472 3784) to express interest
• Organized by NUESA UNIUYO under President James Anietie
• Develops valuable soft skills essential for engineering career success
• Opportunity to represent faculty in inter-faculty and inter-university competitions