The United Methodist University (UMU) Debate Team has achieved a historic milestone for Liberia, winning the Best International University Award at the 2025 Rivers State University Debate Open held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 

The Liberian team, represented by three student debaters, advanced through ten highly competitive rounds to reach the grand finals, ultimately finishing as runners-up to the host, Rivers State University Debate Society.

The award recognizes UMU as the top-performing international university at the competition, marking a significant achievement for Liberian intellectualism and putting the country firmly on the West African debate map.

Team Captain Mouana Kalilu Coneh described the experience as both “rewarding” and “challenging,” emphasizing that the team’s success reflects years of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment.

“I feel honored, I feel happy and celebrated. Without the support from the students, the administration, and my family, we would not have achieved what we have,” Coneh said.

Coneh, who joined UMU in 2023, brought an impressive debate record to the university, having previously been named Most Valuable Debater at the Liberia National Debate Championship. Within months, he became a core member of UMU’s debate team, helping the university maintain its reputation as one of Liberia’s most competitive debate institutions.

UMU has a history of strong national performance. The team reached the finals of the 2023 Liberia International Debate Championship, falling to Stella Maris Polytechnic. In 2024, despite administrative challenges and limited funding, the students self-registered and won the National Inter-University Debate Championship.

“Winning is never strange to UMU,” Coneh remarked. “What would be strange is hearing that UMU lost.”

The team’s journey to Nigeria was marked by logistical hurdles. Traveling via Lagos, the students endured a 13-hour road trip to Port Harcourt without institutional escort, senior staff, or logistical support.

“We were new to the environment. Booking hotels, finding our way, everything was difficult. But we were teammates; we struggled together until we reached home,” Coneh recalled.

During the competition, the Liberian team adapted to a different debate culture, characterized by faster speaking speeds, deeper analysis, and more complex argumentation. Teammate Alie Bangurah said:

“Their pace is faster. Their analysis is deep. They present one argument with multiple mechanisms in a short time. We had no internet, no Nigerian SIM cards, and sometimes they struggled with our accent.”

Despite these challenges, the team advanced to the grand finals, demonstrating adaptability, teamwork, and intellectual rigor. Abu N. Dassen, another team member, described the experience as a moment of national pride:

“Representing Liberia on that stage is something many dream of. For us, this was more than a competition; it was a learning experience. And now, we can confidently say we are 100% solid.”

UMU’s success was quickly recognized upon their return to Liberia. During the NAFA World Fisheries Day debate in Monrovia, longstanding rivals reportedly declined to compete upon seeing UMU arrive—a gesture team members interpreted as a sign of respect.

“No Liberian team has done what we did in Nigeria,” Dassen said.

Coach Clifton Glee, a former UMU debate captain, attributed the team’s rise to consistent performance, discipline, and respect earned on the national stage. He also highlighted the inclusive nature of UMU’s debate culture, which allows any interested student to join and develop their skills.

“We don’t have bureaucracy. Anyone interested can join. We meet every Saturday on Front Street. The goal is to nurture as many young minds as possible,” Glee said.

Due to financial constraints, only three of the 14-member team could travel to Nigeria. Glee explained that his role was to prepare students to represent the university effectively.

While proud of their achievement, the students highlighted the need for stronger institutional backing, including consistent funding and logistical support.

“We thank UMU for giving us the chance. But there are issues the team faces, and we hope the administration will work with us to resolve them,” Bangurah said.

Winning the Best International University Award at a major Nigerian competition marks a milestone for Liberian debate and intellectualism.

“We are local champions and international runners-up. This is a huge win for Liberia,” Dassen said.

As UMU prepares for future regional and international competitions, team members remain confident in their ability to represent Liberia with excellence. “Wherever we go, we are always prepared,” Bangurah affirmed.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. Our university is a place where curiosity meets opportunity—where students from diverse backgrounds come together to explore knowledge, challenge ideas, and build the skills needed to shape a better future. With world-class faculty, modern facilities, and a vibrant learning environment, we are dedicated to nurturing leaders who will make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

The United Methodist University (UMU) in Liberia stands as a testament to the enduring vision of the United Methodist Church to provide quality higher education in West Africa. The aspiration to establish such an institution dates back to the 1970s, driven by a commitment to offer advanced learning opportunities to the growing number of Liberian students. This vision materialized in 1980 with the launch of a junior college business program at the College of West Africa. However, the onset of the Liberian civil war delayed further development. Undeterred, the church reaffirmed its commitment in 1997, leading to the chartering of UMU by the Liberian Legislature on October 9, 1998. The university officially opened its doors in January 2000 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey. Today, UMU operates multiple campuses across Liberia, including in Monrovia, Gbarnga, Ganta, and Gbazon Town, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.