1. Equal Speaking Time
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Each speaker is allotted an equal amount of time for opening, rebuttal, and closing statements.
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The moderator ensures that all participants strictly adhere to their allotted time.
2. Respectful Conduct
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All participants must remain respectful at all times, avoiding personal attacks, insults, or any form of ad hominem argumentation.
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The moderator will intervene if any participant violates this rule.
3. Staying on Topic
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Speakers must focus on the assigned debate topic and avoid digressing into unrelated issues.
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The moderator will redirect the discussion if it strays from the main subject.
4. Evidence and Accuracy
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All statements or claims must be supported by evidence or logical reasoning.
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Facts presented must be accurate and verifiable.
5. No Shifting of Position
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Each side must maintain its assigned stance throughout the debate (supporting or opposing the motion).
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No team or participant may change their position during the debate.
6. Order of Speaking
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The moderator determines the speaking order of participants.
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Speakers must wait to be recognized by the moderator before speaking.
7. No New Arguments in Closing
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No new arguments or evidence may be introduced during closing statements.
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Closing statements are only for summarizing and reinforcing previously made points.
8. Rebuttal Rules
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Rebuttals should directly address arguments made by the opposing side and should not introduce new points.
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Speakers must limit rebuttals to direct responses to previous statements.
9. Interruption and Points of Order
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Speakers must not interrupt others, except to raise a Point of Order when a rule violation occurs.
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Any participant may stand (or signal) and say “Point of Order” to alert the moderator.
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The moderator will pause the debate, listen to the point, and make a final ruling.
10. Moderator Authority
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The moderator has full authority to warn, stop, or disqualify participants for rule violations.
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The moderator may ask clarifying questions but must remain neutral and not take a side in the debate.
11. Winning Rule
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Voting: Each YouTube comment (vote) from a UNIQUE ACCOUNT mentioning a participant’s name equals 1 point. Note that repeated votes from one (same) account would be classed as invalid.
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Penalties: Each penalty issued by the moderator equals –1 point, deducted from the participant’s total.
Winning Criteria:
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The participant must have the highest total points and at least 20 points to qualify for the cash prize.
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In case of a tie, the moderator(s) will decide the winner.
Vote Counting & Payment:
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Votes are counted on the 4th day after the video has been posted on YouTube.
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If applicable, payment is made on the same day.
Cash Prizes:
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Ages 18 and above: Winner receives ₦10,000 (if all conditions are met); the loser receives nothing.
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Ages 13–17: Winner receives ₦10,000 (if all conditions are met); the loser receives a ₦2,000 participation reward.
Note: These rules are designed to maintain a fair, orderly, and professional debating environment.