By: Laymah Kollie
MONROVIA, Liberia – The University of Liberia (UL) Integrity Club Debate Team has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) Inter-University Debate Championship after narrowly defeating the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) with a score of 93 to 91.
The championship debate, held over the weekend at the First United Methodist Church in Monrovia, brought together students, educators, government officials, and anti-corruption advocates to discuss issues surrounding governance and accountability in Liberia.
The final round focused on the motion: “Public dissatisfaction with government progress in fighting corruption is more justified than public satisfaction.” The University of Liberia argued in favor of the proposition, while AMEU opposed it.
As champions, the UL Integrity Club received a trophy, medals for all team members, and a cash prize of US$100. The runners-up, AMEU, were awarded a trophy, medals, and US$50. Stella Maris Polytechnic University and United Methodist University also received medals in recognition of their participation in the competition.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of the Witness Protection Agency, Atty. Teklo Maxwell Grisby II, praised the students for demonstrating critical thinking and civic engagement through the debate.
“I commend all participants for their insightful contributions to this important national discussion. The level of analysis and engagement displayed by these students gives hope for the future of accountability and good governance in Liberia,” Atty. Grisby said.
He further reaffirmed the Witness Protection Agency’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives beyond Montserrado County.
“We remain committed to sponsoring and supporting the expansion of this initiative to other counties across Liberia so that more young people can become actively involved in promoting transparency and integrity,” he added.
The debate championship was sponsored by the Witness Protection Agency and formed part of CENTAL’s broader effort to strengthen anti-corruption awareness among young people.
CENTAL Integrity Club Coordinator, Jerryline T. Wonde, congratulated both finalists for their impressive performances and expressed appreciation to the Witness Protection Agency for supporting the competition.
“We congratulate the University of Liberia and the African Methodist Episcopal University for their participation and dedication throughout the debate process,” Wonde said. “We are also grateful to the Witness Protection Agency for partnering with us to make this initiative a success.”
According to Wonde, the Integrity Club was established to instill strong ethical values in young people and encourage their active participation in Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts.
She explained that the program began at the University of Liberia in 2017 before expanding in 2020 to other institutions, including Stella Maris Polytechnic University, African Methodist Episcopal University, and United Methodist University.
“Today, CENTAL operates 13 Integrity Clubs across universities and high schools, providing platforms for students to apply their knowledge through peer learning, campus awareness campaigns, and community outreach activities,” she noted.
The debate series was launched on April 24, 2026, with opening-round contests between Stella Maris Polytechnic University and the University of Liberia, while African Methodist Episcopal University faced United Methodist University in the other semifinal matchup.
Organizers described the championship as a platform for nurturing ethical leadership and encouraging informed public discourse on issues affecting governance and national development.
