The 2026 edition of Open Mic with Shine held at the Physics Complex, Main Campus of the University of Abuja, brought together students, literary enthusiasts and academics for discussions on morality, leadership and national development.
Organised by Mr. Shine Enyinnaya Nwosu in collaboration with the Association of Physics Students, the event featured poetry readings, spoken word performances, short story presentations and motivational sessions aimed at promoting critical thinking among youths.
Speaking during the programme, Nwosu said the initiative was designed to provide a platform for young people to engage with pressing national issues through literature and creative expression.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Nigeria and Morality,” he challenged the widespread belief that the country’s challenges should be blamed solely on political leaders.
According to him, national development requires citizens to take responsibility for their actions rather than waiting for political leaders to solve every problem facing society.
“As right-thinking people, we should think of what to do to fix the nation instead of blaming the ruling class. Everybody is supposed to work towards making society better,” he said.
Nwosu argued that poverty, corruption and insecurity are largely products of culture and socialisation, maintaining that families, schools, religious institutions, the media and peer groups play significant roles in shaping citizens’ values and behaviour.
He further stressed that societal progress would remain elusive if institutions responsible for moral and civic upbringing continue to weaken, adding that leadership alone cannot transform a society lacking strong values.
The Media Coordinator of Open Mic with Shine, Hussain AbdulQadir Zaguru, described the programme as a quarterly intervention aimed at helping students appreciate the role of literature and spoken word in leadership and social change.
Zaguru urged young Nigerians contemplating migration abroad to also consider their role in contributing to national development, noting that meaningful change requires the participation of citizens at home.
Also speaking, the President of the Physics Department, University of Abuja, Comrade Muhammad Abdulmajeed, commended Nwosu for sponsoring the programme and creating opportunities for students to engage in discussions on values and morality.
The event ended with prizes awarded to winners of the spoken word competition. Enyojo Victory Abo emerged overall winner and received N100,000, while the second and third-place winners received N75,000 and N50,000 respectively.
Participants described the programme as a timely intervention promoting moral rebirth and youth engagement in nation-building.