Festival of Change 2025

Voices ofChange

Debating the Future of Education, Innovation and Technology

Submission Deadline

May 20, 2025

Competition Duration

30 minutes

Location

Tayo Aderinokun Auditorium

University of Lagos

Total Prize Pool

₦300,000

10 finalists will be selected

Objective & End Goal

Competition Overview

Objective

To engage young minds in critical thinking, foster public speaking skills, and spark innovative ideas on transforming education systems through technology and creativity.

End Goal

To raise awareness, drive dialogue, and inspire action toward reshaping education through innovation, while discovering young talents and empowering secondary school students participation in societal transformation.

Format & Topics

Competition Format

Eligibility & Application Process

  • Eligible Participants: Senior secondary school students from all schools are welcome to apply.

  • Application Format: Submit a written essay of not less than 600 words on the topic: "AI in Classrooms: Enhancing Learning or Undermining Educators?"

  • Important Note: The use of AI for essay generation is strictly prohibited.

Topics

Essay Topic

"AI in Classrooms: Enhancing Learning or Undermining Educators?"

Debate Topic

"Considering the key ethics of AI, is Artificial Intelligence ethical in Africa?"

Selection Process

From all submitted applications, 10 of the best essays will be selected. These finalists will be invited to participate in the live debate competition at the Festival of Change event.

10
Registration Plan

How to Register

Application Process

Prepare Your Essay

Write your essay on the topic "AI in Classrooms: Enhancing Learning or Undermining Educators?" Ensure it has at least 600 words.

Submit Your Application

Send your essay to info@festivalofchange.org with the subject line "FOC Debate Competition Application".

Meet the Deadline

All applications must be submitted by May 20, 2025.

Selection Announcement

The 10 finalists will be notified via email before the Festival of Change event.

Important Notes

  • Only senior secondary school students are eligible to apply

  • Essays must be original and not plagiarized

  • The use of AI for essay generation is not allowed

  • Include your full name, school, class, and contact information

  • Late submissions will not be considered

Need Help?

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at info@festivalofchange.org

Prizes & Recognition

Prizes to Be Won

1st Place

₦150,000

Top honors and recognition as the FOC Debate Champion

2nd Place

₦100,000

Runner-up award for outstanding debate performance

3rd Place

₦50,000

Recognition for exceptional debate skills and presentation

All Participants Receive

Certificates of participation recognizing your contribution to the debate on education, innovation, and technology.

Competition Judges

Meet Our Distinguished Judges

Our panel of expert judges brings decades of experience in education, public speaking, and innovation to evaluate and guide our young debaters.

S

Sunday Daniel

Head of Judges

An experienced educator and debate coach with expertise in critical thinking and communication skills development.

O

Oluwapelumi Oresanya

Judge

A distinguished professional with extensive experience in youth development and educational advancement programs.

Event Schedule

Competition Timeline

The debate competition will last approximately 30 minutes, packed with engaging intellectual discourse and thoughtful argumentation.

Opening Remarks

Welcome address and introduction of the debate competition, judges, and participants.

3 mins

First Debate Round

Each finalist presents their opening arguments on the topic.

4 mins per person

Icebreaker Activity

A brief interactive session to engage the audience and participants.

10 mins

Second Debate Round

Rebuttal and counter-arguments from each participant.

4 mins per person

Judges Deliberation

Panel of judges confer to determine the winners based on presentation, argument quality, and delivery.

3 mins

Award Ceremony & Closing

Announcement of winners, presentation of prizes, and closing remarks.

3 mins

Festival Of Change

Pioneering the future of education through technological innovation and collaborative partnerships across all levels of learning.

About Us

Connecting Education and Technology at All Levels. The festival brings together educators, technologists, and industry leaders to drive innovation in education.

Contact Us

  • 11, Ademola Saka Close, Peace estate, Ajao Estate, Lagos, Nigeria
  • +234 808 525 5769
  • +234 701 887 8343
  • info@festivalofchange.org

Newsletter

Subscribe to receive updates about upcoming events, speakers, and educational insights.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

© 2025 Festival Of Change. All rights reserved.