BY: Abdulwarith Hamzat
The University of Ibadan’s Literary and Debating Society (TLDS) has announced significant changes to the upcoming Jaw War 2024, revealing that a total of 17 faculties will participate in the faculty category of the debate. This marks an increase from previous editions with the inclusion of the newly established Faculty of Nursing.
During a press conference held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Junior Common Room, Ransom Kuti Hall, the TLDS also confirmed that 10 halls will continue to compete in the hall category, maintaining the long-standing tradition of inter-hall rivalries.
In response to the growing number of faculties, the TLDS has introduced a new competition format. The halls category will now adopt a knockout format, featuring only one preliminary round. Meanwhile, the faculty category will see two preliminary stages. This adjustment was made to streamline the event and ensure the debate remains within its planned timeline while also addressing cost-efficiency concerns.
According to TLDS President Okere Ogonna, the changes were necessary to accommodate the expanding list of participating faculties without sacrificing the quality or length of the event. A poll was conducted among 22 Senate representatives from the various faculties and halls, with 18 votes in favor of the revised format.
Ogonna, the TLDS President, announced the theme for this year’s Jaw War as “African Travails and Trials: Moving Forward, Learning from the Past.” He emphasized that the theme will address the historical and contemporary experiences of Nigeria and Africa, focusing on lessons learned and future progress.
The event will also introduce a British Parliamentary exhibition round, a deviation from the usual presidential debate style, aimed at expanding the scope of debate culture at the university. Additionally, the TLDS will host the 4th edition of the National Debate Championship, inviting universities from the South West to participate.
The Jaw War schedule includes:
- Jaw War Conference: September 27, 2024
- Jaw War Rally: November 24, 2024
- First Round Halls Category / Opening Ceremony: November 26, 2024
- First Round Faculties Category: November 28, 2024
- Second Round Faculties Category: November 30, 2024
- Quarterfinals Halls Category: December 6, 2024
- *Quarterfinals Faculties Category: December 7, 2024
- Semifinals for Halls and Faculties: December 17, 2024
- Finals and Closing Ceremony:
- January 8, 2025
The draws for the competition were conducted during the press conference, with the Faculty of Pharmacy automatically advancing to the second round of the faculty category. Other faculties were paired for the initial matchups, including Public Health vs. Clinical Science and Law vs. Environmental Design and Management. For the halls category, notable pairings included Alexander Brown Hall vs. Awo Hall and Queen Idia Hall vs. Mellanby Hall.
