By Eniola Olaniyi
The University of Ibadan was abuzz with intellectual energy as the 9th Annual Jaw War public speaking competition kicked off on January 30, 2024. The event, held at the New Faculty Lecture Theatre in the Faculty of Technology, saw ten residence halls lock horns in a battle of wits and oratory in the first series of debates.
The night began with a spirited debate on “Government Subsidies in Nigeria: Boon or Burden,” where Ransome Kuti Hall clinched victory with a score of 66.25%, edging out Sultan Bello Hall, which scored 63.5%. The heated discourse continued with Kenneth Mellanby Hall and Queen Idia Hall debating “Students Loan Act: A Lifeline to Nigerian Students.” Queen Idia Hall triumphed with an impressive 75.91%, leaving Kenneth Mellanby Hall at 57.33%.
The debate on the cancellation of second tenures for political office holders saw Queen Elizabeth II Hall score 66.25%, falling short against Nnamdi Azikwe Hall’s 70.16%. In a closely contested debate on “Should Genetic Engineering be Used to Modify Human Embryo?”, Lord Tedder Hall scored 71.83%, just missing out to Alexander Brown Hall’s 72.91%. The final face-off of the evening was between Obafemi Awolowo Hall and Great Independence Hall on “Is the Removal of Fuel Subsidy in Nigeria Justified?”, with scores of 70.61% and 71.35% respectively.
Highlighting the evening was the standout performance of Yahaya Dorcas from Queen Idia Hall, who was honored as the best speaker of the night.
