Dr. Kesaia Seniloli, Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning) launched the debate series which was the brainchild of the Dean; Professor Biman Prasad, on April 29th, 2011. The lucid is to promote debate among FBE students and to encourage students to think about contemporary issues and to allow them to prepare and articulate issues publicly.

Dr. Kesaia Seniloli stated that debating offers a powerful tool for enlivening and energizing our students. When students are engaged in debate they take an active role in their education. Here students are researching and selecting materials to support their case. They are verbally articulating ideas and making a strongest case as they possibly can. At the same time they are expected to thoroughly analyze the arguments of their opponents and argue against them. They are thinking on their feet. Students learn too that there are other view points.

While preparing for the debate students are engaged in collaborative learning, in delegating tasks, improving their communication skills. In addition they are building their confidence and developing their leadership and team skills.

Many of the traits and skills acquired from participating in a debate are underpinned in the University Graduate Attributes. The debate is one way of operationalizing the University Graduate attributes. These are attributes that we hope you as students will take with you when you leave the university.