The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has recognised outstanding university debaters during a prize-giving ceremony, where a UNAM team won the first prize.
The two-day championship brought together students from UNAM, NUST and IUM.
After a series of competitive debates, the participating teams were assessed on the strength of their arguments, their ability to respond to opposing views and the overall delivery of their presentations.
The UNAM team was crowned the inaugural MICT Open Debate Championship and received N$15,000 and gold medals, and the second team from UNAM won N$8000 and silver medals.
While, in third place, IUM walked away with N$5000 in cash and a bronze medal, and in fourth place, NUST gained N$2000.
The competition was organised through the ICT Ministry's Nationhood and National Pride Programme and provided a platform for students to engage in constructive discussions on issues affecting the country.
The championship aimed to strengthen critical thinking, public speaking, research and communication skills among university students while encouraging young people to participate meaningfully in national dialogue.
The Executive Director at the Ministry of ICT, Linda Aipinge-Nakale, congratulated the participants and commended them for demonstrating confidence, knowledge and the ability to engage with different viewpoints.
"The students, the volunteers, and your tireless effort in maintaining the schedule, managing the technical aspects, and ensuring the smooth flow of proceedings have been instrumental in the success of this event. Your dedication behind the scenes often goes unnoticed, but today we celebrate your commitment, all of you. As we reflect on these past two days, I want to remind everyone that while wins and losses are part of the competition, they are not the essence of what we have achieved here. What truly matters are the vibrant exchange of ideas, the development of critical thinking and growth in confidence and public speaking skills."
Aipinge-Nakale says initiatives such as the MICT Open Debate Championship are important in developing informed, confident and active young people and leaders who can contribute to Namibia's national development.