The NYSC parade ground at Iyana Ipaja-Agege, Lagos, was transformed into a vibrant arena of ideas as Vistara Solutions hosted the Vistara x NYSC Debate Competition.

This landmark event brought together Lagos Batch B Stream 1 corps members to explore one of the most pressing questions of the modern job market: “Degree vs Skills: Has Formal Education Lost Its Value in Today’s Tech-Focused Job Market?”

The debate was part of Vistara’s ongoing #BeyondTheKhaki campaign, designed to encourage corps members to think beyond traditional career paths and embrace opportunities that position them for global competitiveness. In line with Vistara’s mission to provide study abroad support and guidance to young Nigerians, the discussion reflected the realities of a rapidly evolving employment landscape shaped by technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

From the very start, the parade ground buzzed with excitement. Corps members, many of whom had already interacted with Vistara during consultations and awareness sessions, gathered to hear their peers defend and challenge the role of formal education in an increasingly tech-driven economy. The stage was set for a high-energy exchange of ideas, with a panel of judges evaluating participants on clarity, insight, and persuasiveness, while the audience reacted enthusiastically to strong arguments and memorable quotes.

In a fierce contest of intellect and delivery, Stanley Okoronta, a graduate of Economics from the University of Oye Ekiti representing Platoon 10, emerged as the first-place winner. Taking a clear stance in favor of skills over traditional degrees, Stanley argued that Nigeria’s academic systems have struggled to keep pace with the breakneck speed of technological advancement. “The archaic methods of the teaching models in Nigeria cannot hold a candle to the rapid development of AI, which is moving at the speed of light,” he declared to resounding applause. His position reflected a growing sentiment among Nigerian youth—that adapting education to meet real-world, tech-oriented demands is critical to staying competitive.

Second place was claimed by Happiness Ohunene Momoh, a Law graduate from the University of Benin and representative of Platoon 6. Building on Stanley’s argument, she stressed that formal education has not yet evolved to meet the demands of the digital economy, which she defined as “the environment where companies prioritize staff and processes that enable them to digitize their goods and services, making it easier for consumers to access and interact with them.” Her remarks reinforced the urgency of integrating digital competencies into Nigeria’s education system so graduates can meet the needs of modern industries.

Offering a counterpoint, Sophia Ikhile, a Law graduate from Ambrose Alli University representing Platoon 7, secured third place with a thoughtful defense of formal education. She asserted that foundational knowledge remains essential, explaining, “For every tech skill you can think of, formal education was its foundation.” Sophia proposed that rather than discarding the system, Nigeria should incorporate tech-based programs into existing curricula, ensuring graduates are prepared for both structured learning and technological adaptation. “We need to inculcate tech-based programs into the current system rather than try to completely replace it,” she added, earning appreciative nods from the audience.

Throughout the debate, the corps members in attendance were actively engaged, applauding powerful points, reacting to bold statements, and reflecting on how their own aspirations fit within the degree-versus-skills conversation. The event reinforced the #BeyondTheKhaki message—urging youth to think beyond their NYSC service year and seize opportunities for international study, professional development, and skills training.

The competition also highlighted the relevance of Vistara’s work in bridging the gap between traditional education and global opportunities. By offering free study abroad consultations, scholarship guidance, and visa support, Vistara equips young Nigerians with access to the high-demand skills and exposure needed in today’s interconnected world. Many participants acknowledged that such programs could provide the kind of learning and career pathways that local curricula may not yet offer.

As part of the event’s closing announcements, Vistara unveiled a new social media content creation competition, offering a ₦100,000 grand prize to the corps member who produces the most impactful video about Vistara’s programs. This initiative aims to inspire creativity, strengthen digital literacy, and further engage the NYSC community in conversations about education, skills, and global readiness.

Vistara Solutions confirmed plans to extend similar debate events to NYSC camps nationwide, deepening dialogue on the future of education and empowering youth to prepare for roles in an evolving global economy. Corps members and young Nigerians interested in study abroad opportunities are encouraged to follow VistaraSolutions on social media and join the scholarship community for exclusive updates, resources, and upcoming competitions.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Saidat Azeez, Human Resources Manager at Vistara Solutions, noted, “The Vistara x NYSC Debate was more than a competition—it was a platform for critical thinking, personal growth, and global ambition. Our goal is to help corps members gain the skills, knowledge, and international exposure they need to lead in a rapidly changing world.”

The day concluded with participants, judges, and guests celebrating the spirited exchange of ideas and reaffirming the importance of adaptability, foundational education, and skill-based learning in the modern era.