UNIMA Debate Team Finishes Strong as Runners-Up in Debate Finale
The University of Malawi (UNIMA) Debate Team delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Malawi “Shift the Power” Inter-University Debates Grand Finale, finishing as runners-up after a closely contested final against Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe on Friday, 6 March 2026.
The national debate, organised by the Tilitonse Foundation in partnership with UK International Development and Radio Relief, brought together leading universities to deliberate on issues of local power and leadership. The final contest saw LUANAR secure 222 points while UNIMA followed closely with 219 points after two intense debate sessions moderated by Wisdom Chimgwede.
The event was graced by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Honourable Bright Msaka SC, who served as Guest of Honour. The Minister presented the winning trophy to LUANAR, while Tilitonse Foundation Board Chairperson Desmond Kaunda awarded UNIMA a trophy in recognition of the team’s outstanding performance.
In addition to the trophy, members of the UNIMA Debate Team each received a Samsung tablet as part of the prizes presented during the ceremony.
The Grand Finale marked the culmination of the 2025–2026 Inter-University Debate series, which began with six public universities competing in rounds designed to strengthen civic engagement, leadership discourse, and critical thinking among students. With the victory, LUANAR will represent Malawi at the Pan-African debate competition scheduled to take place in Ghana on 30 March 2026, where they will compete against teams from Zambia and Ghana.
UNIMA’s participation in the finale was supported by senior university officials who attended the event to encourage the students. Among those present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sunduzwayo Madise; the Registrar, Mr Martin Matululu; the Executive Dean for the School of Natural and Applied Sciences (SNAS), Professor Ngongondo; and the Director of Students Affairs, Dr Jonas Mwatseteza.
Speaking after the debate, the UNIMA team representative, Mr Eric Dinga, said the team was proud of its performance, noting that finishing as runners-up did not diminish the effort and dedication they put into the competition. He attributed the team’s success in reaching the finals to strong teamwork and commitment among members.
“Through this experience, I learnt the power of teamwork. I believe we were able to reach this far because we functioned seamlessly as one unit,” he said. “I also learnt how to work under pressure, considering that I had to balance the debate schedule, travel between Zomba and Lilongwe, and my responsibilities as a student.”
The strong showing by the UNIMA Debate Team reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded students equipped with critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills necessary for national development.
The “Shift the Power” Inter-University Debate initiative empowers young people to participate actively in governance and decision-making through dialogue, debate, and civic engagement.
