A student of University of Abuja [now Yakubu Gowon University] Miss Amra Salihu Onize emerged winner of this year’s Amnesty International Nigeria Intervarsity Human Rights Debate. Amra Onize won after intense weeks of rounds of debates that started on 15 April, with the participation of 24 universities across Nigeria.
The First Runner-Up is Naomi Innocent Chikwuado of Imo State University, the Second Runner-Up is Obodoefuna Ijeoma Cynthia of Madonna University, while the Third Runner-Up is Uwakfmfon Moses Etim of University of Uyo.
University of Port Harcourt and Veritas University Bwari made it to the top six universities that participated in the debate. Jonathan Alewa from Gombe State University made a special presentation on the various dimensions of poverty and human rights.
While presenting awards to the winner and runners up at the grand finale held Monday 18 May 2026, in Abuja, Country Director Amnesty International Nigeria Isa Sanusi said the debate is part of Amnesty International’s commitment to empowering youth to interrogate critical issues relating to human rights, as well as to encourage critical thinking and improve interaction and engagement among youths from all parts of Nigeria.
He also said that this is the forth year of the debate and the organization will continue to explore new and innovative ways to empower youths to have a say on the present and the future.
“This debate continues to grow in impact and reach each year. As a global human rights organisation, Amnesty International is committed to empowering young people to shape the discourse around justice, accountability, and human dignity,” he said.
Last year, a student of University of Ibadan, Miss Goodluck Akinlawon won the 2025 edition of Nigeria Inter-Varsity Debate Human Rights Debate.
