By Ibrahim Abdullahi, Kano
For centuries, debate (call it dialogue or discussion), is one of the sunbeams that opens the hearts of humans, illuminating diverse perspectives, fostering critical thinking, nurturing intellectual growth, developing social interactions and societal transformations.
Like a gentle breeze, dialogue debate stirs the mind, encouraging exploration, inquiry, and innovation. Through dialogue debate, we discover new ideas, challenge assumptions, and refine our understandings of the world. No doubt, debate is a powerful tool for personal growth, social progress, and personal, collective or community wisdom.
As a passionate student of knowledge, a practicing journalist and public relations practitioner, I usually enjoy listening to intellectual exchanges. It brings me immense joy to see intellectuals eloquently exploring points on a given topic like a flowing river, captivating their audience’s attention with dexterity and erudition. In such situations, my faith increases, and I reaffirm my submission to Allah, the Possessor of all knowledge.
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There are numerous benefits derived from intellectual discussions or the entrenchment of the healthy culture of discussion or debate in the society.
Debate or discussion provides insight into complex topics, ideas, and current issues that one may not encounter otherwise. It sharpens one’s ability to analyze, evaluate, and form personal opinions on a topic.
Additionally, it improves public speaking or communication skills by expressing ideas clearly and using evidence to support arguments. Exposure to different viewpoints fosters appreciation for diverse perspectives and reduces narrow thinking and acrimony. Engaging with intellectual content keeps the mind sharp, encourages curiosity, and boosts creativity.
Another significant benefit is connectivity; regularly attending intellectual discussion forums expands one’s horizon by connecting with scholars, philosophers, intellectuals and knowledge seekers.
On May 24, 2025, I attended a thought-provoking debate session titled “Books vs. Screens: Has the Digital Age Killed the Love for Reading?” organized by the D-E-E-D-S Dialogue Debate International at the Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University Kano (KHAIRUN). The dialogue debate featured two Kano born intellectual giants: Prof. Ibrahim Bello Kano popularly known as IBK from the Department of English and Literary Studies and Dr. Bala Muhammad from the Department of Mass Communication, both from Bayero University, Kano. These scholars are renowned in their fields, and their contributions to knowledge are invaluable.
The moderator, Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, a dual professor of Science Education and Mass Communication, and former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), was an excellent choice.
The event attracted a large audience of academics, medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, Islamic scholars, communicators, researchers, and students.
The deterioration of reading culture among the young people and by extension the larger society is a long-standing concern. Despite scholars’ efforts to caution people about the dangers and advocate for reversal, the situation worsens with the advent of social media. Mainly teenagers resort to extensive social media use, particularly entertainment handles, instead of reading books to expand their knowledge and understanding of life and its many intricacies and mysteries.
The Master of Ceremony, Dr Abdussalam Sani from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil introduced the debaters with brilliant eloquence and the moderator, Prof. Abdalla clarified that the session was a dialogue, not a contestation as debate may demand, which eased the audience’s expectations and allowed the debaters to embrace each other’s points.
Prof. IBK, who spoke first, emphasized that reading is not natural and requires guidance or command, citing the first revelation where the Almighty commanded Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to read. He highlighted the importance of book reading and the threats the digital age poses to reading culture.
Dr. Bala supported book reading but argued that the digital age has made reading simpler and more accessible.
Both scholars agreed that some social media handles have elements of reading, but strongly pointed that others like TikTok seem to allow or promote nudity, vulgarity, and social vices among teenagers, calling for urgent rectification.
If you ask me, l would surely say, the dialogue was a huge success, with an amazing turnout and attentive, but mostly young audience.
I congratulate the D-E-E-D-S Dialogue Debate International for organizing this thought-provoking event and look forward to future topics.
_Abdullahi is the Deputy Director Information, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs_
June 5, 2025
