Unicaf University in Malawi proudly hosted an engaging Interdisciplinary Debate Forum: Building Analytical & Leadership Excellence at its campus in Lilongwe on May 22, 2026. The forum was designed to foster student development, focusing on strengthening critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research capacity and leadership and public speaking skills.
Students from a range of academic disciplines took part in the forum, which featured the motion ‘‘This House Believes That Social Media Has Done More Harm Than Good to Youth Development.’’, providing students with an opportunity to engage in evidence-based debate on a contemporary issue affecting society. Throughout the debate, participants were encouraged to research, analyse and defend arguments, all the while respectfully engaging with opposing viewpoints. The forum also served as an introductory platform for students interested in future debate competitions with other educational institutions in the region.
The forum commenced with opening remarks delivered by Student Affairs Officer Mr Limbani Mwale, who welcomed participants, outlined the objectives of the event and facilitated an orientation session covering the different roles and responsibilities of debate team members, the rules and judging criteria, various techniques for argument development and rebuttal, as well as the overall structure and principles of effective debate.
Following the opening remarks and orientation session, participants were divided into teams, where they debated the motion by presenting and defending a range of arguments. Drawing on in-depth research, nuanced perspectives, and persuasive reasoning, each team delivered a compelling and well-structured case, requiring careful deliberation on behalf of the forum’s judges in order to select a worthy winner.
Prior to the forum’s conclusion, participants engaged in a brief reflective session during which they shared lessons learned and experiences gained from the debate process, highlighting improvements in their confidence and teamwork and public speaking skills.
Unicaf University’s hosting of this Interdisciplinary Debate Forum demonstrates its commitment to advancing students’ academic and professional development, not only through a wide variety of affordable and flexible academic programmes, but also through initiatives such as this, designed to enhance students’ practical skills in communication, leadership, problem-solving and research.
Overall, this forum proved to be an immensely valuable and rewarding experience, fostering the development of transferable skills applicable across a range of contexts. Unicaf University looks forward to participating in more engaging, insightful debate forums like this one in the near future.
