University of The Gambia Debate Association

UTGDA: EID AL-ADHA MUBARAK

Issued: 27th May, 2026

The 14th Executive Council of the University of The Gambia Debate Association warmly extends its heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the Muslim population of the University and the general public on the blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha stands as a profound reminder of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and devotion to Allah (SWT), inspired by the unwavering submission of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). As families and communities come together in celebration, may this sacred occasion renew our spirit of compassion, generosity, humility, and unity.

Beyond the festivities, this occasion calls on us to reflect on the values of selflessness, gratitude, and care for one another, especially the less privileged within our communities. May the lessons of sacrifice and sincerity continue to guide our actions and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a people.

As we commemorate this holy celebration, we pray that Allah (SWT) accepts our sacrifices, grants us peace, abundant blessings, and continued guidance.

Here’s to a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE, UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA
DEBATE ASSOCIATION

UTGDA: ARMITAGE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF THE NHRDC — CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EDITION

Issued: 25th May, 2026

The University of The Gambia Debate Association is proud to officially announce Armitage Senior Secondary School as champions of the 3rd Edition of the Human Rights National Debate Championship (NHRDC), widely recognized as the Champions League Edition.

Armitage’s victory stands as a testament to consistency, resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence within the debating space. Over the years, the institution has continuously proven itself as one of the country’s most formidable debate schools through remarkable performances across major national competitions.

Their journey has been one of steady growth and determination emerging as finalists in the 1st Edition of the NHRDC, 1st Runners-Up in the 2nd Edition of the NHRDC, 3rd Runners-Up in the Vice Chancellor’s National Championship (VCNC) 2025, 3rd Runners-Up in the Transitional justice Debate Championship
(TJDC), and 1st Runners-Up in VCNC 2026.

Today, that persistence has finally culminated in victory as Armitage Senior Secondary School secures the title of champions of the Human Rights National Debate Championship 2026.

The Council wholeheartedly congratulates the students, teacher coordinators, supporters, and the entire Armitage community on this historic accomplishment. Their achievement serves as an inspiration to young debaters across the country, proving that dedication, consistency, and perseverance eventually lead to success.

Congratulations once again to Armitage Senior Secondary School — Champions of the NHRDC: Champions League Edition.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE,
UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA
DEBATE ASSOCIATION

UTGDA: OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF RUNNERS-UP — NHRDC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EDITION

Issued: 24th May, 2026

Following the successful conclusion of the Human Rights National Debate Championship (NHRDC) Champions League Edition, the University of The Gambia Debate Association is pleased to officially recognize and congratulate the outstanding schools that emerged as runners-up in the championship.

After a series of highly competitive rounds marked by intellect, eloquence, teamwork, and resilience, the following schools emerged as top-performing Schools in the tournament:

1st Runners-Up: Kotu Senior Secondary School
2nd Runners-Up: Nemasu Senior Secondary School
4th Place: Masroor Senior Secondary School

The Council commends these schools for the remarkable commitment, discipline, and excellence they demonstrated throughout the championship. Their performances reflected the true essence of debate, critical engagement, and youth participation in discussions surrounding human rights and national development.

The Association remains proud of every participating school and encourages all schools to continue nurturing young voices capable of driving meaningful conversations and positive change within society.

Once again, congratulations to all the runners-up for their exceptional achievements.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE,
UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA
DEBATE ASSOCIATION.

UTGDA: _SUCCESSFUL STAGING OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS NATIONAL DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP — CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EDITION_

Issued: 24th May, 2026

The University of The Gambia Debate Association, alongside its esteemed collaborators and partners, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Human Rights National Debate Championship (NHRDC) Champions League Edition.

Over the course of three impactful days, participants from various senior secondary schools across the country engaged in rigorous debate rounds, public speaking trainings, and interactive sessions centered on human rights awareness, accountability, and youth leadership. The championship served not only as a competitive platform, but also as an avenue for learning, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement among young people.

The Council extends profound appreciation to all its Partners: African Network Against Extra-Judicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances and National Endowment For Democracy
participating schools, teacher coordinators, adjudicators,trainers and members of the general public whose unwavering support and commitment contributed immensely to the success of this championship. Special recognition is also extended to the organizing committee and collaborating institutions* for their dedication throughout the planning and ex*****on of the tournament.

As an Association committed to intellectual development and advocacy, we remain optimistic that the lessons, experiences, and relationships built during this championship will continue to inspire participants to become responsible leaders and advocates for justice and human rights in society.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE,
UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA
DEBATE ASSOCIATION.

UTGDA: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS AND QUALIFICATION UPDATE OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Issued: 23rd May, 2026

The University of The Gambia Debate Association is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Preliminary Rounds of the Human Rights National Debate Championship: Champions League Edition.

Following the conclusion of the rounds, the following schools have successfully qualified for the Finals:

1. Masroor Senior Secondary School— 12 points
2. Armitage Senior Secondary School— 12 points

In addition, the following schools are currently tied on 10 points and will proceed to a tie-breaker round to determine the final two schools that will advance to the Finals:

1. Kotu Senior Secondary School — 10 points
2. Nemasu Senior Secondary School— 10 points
3. Collective Hands Academy — 10 points

The following schools have officially exited the competition following the conclusion of the preliminary rounds:

St. Joseph Senior Secondary School
Nasir Senior Secondary School
Glory Baptist international School

The tie-breaker round is scheduled to take place today at 12:00 PM at Kanifing.

The Council and its partners commend all participating schools, teacher coordinators, adjudicators, and supporters for their dedication, professionalism, and active participation throughout the preliminary stages of the championship.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE,
UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA DEBATE ASSOCIATION

UTGDA: OFFICIAL UNVEILING OF SCHOOLS FOR THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP 3.0

Issued: 20th May, 2026

The University of The Gambia Debate Association (UTGDA), in partnership with its esteemed stakeholders, proudly unveils the official list of schools qualified for the Champions League Edition of the National Human Rights Debate Championship 3.0. These schools have earned their positions through remarkable performances, consistency, and excellence displayed in previous championships, distinguishing themselves as leading institutions in advocacy, critical thinking, and competitive debate.

Under the theme, “From Rights to Responsibility: Youth Leadership in Advancing Human Rights and Accountability in The Gambia,” The championship continues to promote informed youth participation in democratic discourse and human rights advocacy. UTGDA congratulates all qualifying schools for this achievement and commends their commitment to empowering young voices capable of driving accountability justice, and national development.

_In Speaking, You Shall be Heard_

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE , UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA DEBATE ASSOCIATION

UTGDA: APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRPERSON AND CHIEF ADJUDICATOR OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP 3.0

Issued: 19th May, 2026

The 14th executive council of The University of The Gambia Debate Association alongside its collaborators is pleased to announced the appointment of Mr Alhagie Bambo Jarju as Chairman and Mr Abdoulie Sillah as Chief Adjudicator, a decision rooted in their consistent contributions to The Gambia’s debate and youth leadership ecosystem.

Alhagie Jarju, Chairman
Jarju’s appointment reflects his long-standing commitment to building debate and student leadership structures in The Gambia. As Secretary General of the 13th Executive Council of the University of The Gambia Debate Association (UTG-DA) and Head of Academics at Bakoteh U&SSS, he has been central to organizing academic and co-curricular programs that strengthen youth voice.

Abdoulie Sillah, Chief Adjudicator
stems directly from his track record within the debate circuit. Recognized as Winner and Best Speaker of ITDC 1.0, he has proven expertise in high-level debate performance and evaluation. His service as Deputy Information and Communications Minister of the 22nd EXCO of the Students’ Union, and his role as adjudicator for the Human Rights Debate Championship 2.0, VCNC’25 and VCNC’26, show consistent engagement in shaping youth dialogue and public speaking standards.

Both appointments draw from their sustained involvement in the University of The Gambia Debate Association and broader youth advocacy spaces. Their leadership and adjudication for this Champions League tournament are a direct extension of that work, ensuring the championship benefits from individuals who have actively built and upheld the standards of debate in The Gambia.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE, UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA DEBATE
ASSOCIATION

UTGDA: UNDERSTANDING THE THEME OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP 3.0

Issued: 19th May, 2026

The theme for the National Human Rights Debate Championship 3.0, “From Rights to Responsibility: Youth Leadership in Advancing Human Rights and Accountability in The Gambia,” highlights the role of young people in promoting accountability, justice, and democratic values.

It emphasises the importance of empowering informed and responsible youth leaders who can contribute meaningfully to human rights advocacy and national development, particularly within the context of The Gambia’s commitment to “Never Again.”

_In Speaking, You shall be Heard_

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
OFFICE
UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA DEBATE ASSOCIATION

UTGDA: HUMAN RIGHT’S CHAMPIONSHIP DEBATE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EDITION

Issued: May 15th, 2026

The 14th Executive Council of The University of The Gambia Debate Association in collaboration with ANEKED and the National Endowment For Democracy (NED) (is pleased to announce the commencement of the Human Right’s Debate Championship 3.0, Champions league edition.

This initiative comes after schools and institutions whose performances stood out remarkably during the previous edition of the competition and affirmed their place as trailblazing debaters in the argumentative discourse space.

The UTGDA with its partners recognize that debate and public speaking are essential instruments for promoting critical thinking, confidence, leadership and constructive engagement among young people and through this initiatives we seek to preserve and strengthen the spirit of dialogue, healthy competition and intellectual exchange that the Human Right’s Debate Championship has continued to foster over the years.

Further information regarding fixtures, participation guidelines and schedules for the Championship League will be communicated in due course.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE,
UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA
DEBATE ASSOCIATION

UTGDA: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE INTER-TERTIARY DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP (SECOND EDITION)

Issued: May 10th, 2026

The University of The Gambia Debate Association (UTGDA) is pleased to officially announce the successful completion of the Inter-Tertiary Debate Championship (Second Edition), a competition that brought together tertiary institutions from across the country in the spirit of intellectual engagement, critical thinking, and academic excellence.

The championship served as a vibrant platform for students to showcase their debating abilities, public speaking skills, teamwork, and analytical capacity through highly competitive and engaging rounds. Throughout the course of the competition, participating institutions demonstrated discipline, confidence, and a remarkable commitment to constructive dialogue and excellence.

UTGDA also proudly congratulates and appreciates the leadership of the championship for their invaluable dedication and guidance throughout the competition, particularly the Chairperson,Mam Marie Darboe, the Vice Chairperson, Zainab Manneh and the Chief Adjudicator , Muhammad Ceesay, whose leadership and commitment greatly contributed to the success of the championship. We further extend appreciation to the all the *participating institutions, Adjudicators organizing committees, and all supporting teams whose hard work behind the scenes ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the competition.

Following the successful conclusion of the competition, the final standings are as follows:

UEG — First Position
UTG— Second Position
MAJAC— Third Position
SUPDECO— Fourth Position

We proudly congratulate all winners and participants for their outstanding performances, resilience, and contributions throughout the championship. Your participation continues to strengthen the culture of debate, critical discourse, and academic interaction among tertiary institutions in The Gambia.

As we conclude another successful edition of the championship, UTGDA remains committed to creating platforms that empower young people, amplify intellectual voices, and promote meaningful engagement through debate and public speaking.

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE,
UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA DEBATE ASSOCIATION