By John Kelly Marah
The Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU)’s Student Union government has organized an inter-departmental debate championship in the Great Hall at its Goderich Campus on 5th June 2024.
The debate was organized with the theme: The Role of Technology in Education Enhancing Learning or Diminishing Human Interaction.
The Milton Margai Technical University, Federal President Abdul Malik Sawanneh talked of the importance of the debate in their university which cannot be overstated. He added: “debates teach us to think critically, to articulate our ideas clearly and persuasively, and to engage with different perspectives and it is an essential component of well-grounded education, that we must continue to cultivate and nurture this at MMTU.”
He affirmed the point that for some time now their university has been marginalized by the Sierra Leone Debating Council (SLDC) which has consistently failed to give MMTU the justice and representation they deserve, adding that “time and again, we have seen the SLDC making decisions that benefit only a select few universities, while ignoring the needs and concerns of the MMTU.”
He further said when it comes to selection of the National Executive, the SLDC has shown that it is only interested in maintaining the status quo, rather than embracing diversity and inclusivity, and which, he said, is simply unacceptable.
Mr. Sawanneh stated: “by creating our own debating council, we are taking a stance against the injustices of the SLDC and we are saying that we no longer tolerate being treated as second class citizens in the debating community.”
He concluded by saying “we deserve to be heard and our voices matter most.”
Abu Bakarr Zombo, the Minister of Education, MMTU SUG, said, “The debate competition is organized by the Students Union Government under the Ministry of Education in order to make sure that students have the opportunity to improve their academic prowess.”
“I want to warmly welcome everyone present here to grace this auspicious inter-departmental debate competition for the 2023/2024 academic year in this Great Hall where students have been forged into academic gods.”
“This year’s inter-interdepartmental debate competition theme is|: The Role of Technology in Education Enhancing Learning or Diminishing Human Interaction.”
He went on to say that “this particular event is going to serve as a road map to structure and revive the debating council to stand the test of time.”
He continued: “I want to assure you all that this year’s debate competition is going to be an intellectual parade with a barrage of efficient debaters who are ready to unleash their intellectualism and proficiency in the Queen’s language.”
Therefore, he added, “I am encouraging everyone to please secure a pen and paper so that you won’t be left out, as US former president, Barrack Obama once said, “Education is not a name of any degree or certificate that can be shown to others as proof. Education is the name of our attitude, actions, language and behavior with others in real life.”
He went on to say: “In that light, I will encourage every student present here to put on their best behavior. I once again welcome you all to this very important event.”
The debate took the form of parliamentary style of debating in which the ‘ayes’ and ‘ays’ norm are implemented.
The Judges of the parliamentary style debate were: Alfred Bola Kargbo, Mohamed Rex Bonapha, the President of the National Students’ Union Government of Sierra Leone and Foday Ansumana Sam as Chief Judge including the Speaker of the House, Santigie Conteh.
MMTU SUG said the debate brought out the best of the best debaters of the Milton Margai Technical University.