By Faith Ajewole
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the University of Ibadan emerged victorious at the maiden edition of the Battle of Words (B.O.W) competition held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Centered around the theme “Law, Power and Economic Growth in Modern Nigeria,” the inter-university contest featured Spoken word performances, British Parliamentary debates and Oxford debates.
Despite delays and the unexpected absence of three competing institutions—Obafemi Awolowo University, Tai Solarin University of Education, and Lead City University, the tournament remained highly competitive.
Three members of the University of Ibadan’s British Parliamentary Club, Olokungbemi Gerald, Ogunleye Moboluwarin, and Khidir Rodiyah, represented the institution, showcasing profound eloquence and intellectual rigor across multiple sessions.
Initially, in the Oxford debate round, debaters, Khidir Rodiyah, a 400-level Medical Student and Moboluwarin Ogunleye, tackled the motion: “This house believes that Nigeria should prioritize investing in agriculture over the tech sector for sustainable economic growth.” The University of Ibadan team, speaking in support of the motion, delivered a stellar performance that earned them second place.
Their impressive outing was also carried into the British Parliamentary debate, where the team delivered another commanding performance, debating the motion: “This house believes that Law should prioritize wealth distribution over wealth creation in addressing economic inequality.” Speaking on the Closing Government side, the University of Ibadan team secured first place in the round.
Furthermore, 600-level medical students Ogunleye Moboluwarin and Olokungbemi Gerald clinched the overall Best Speaker and second overall Best Speaker awards, respectively. After the culmination of scores from both debate categories, the University of Ibadan secured the championship title with 76%. The host institution, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, finished third with 72.2%, while the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FUMMSA) took second place with 75.5%. Olabisi Onabanjo University finished in fourth place.
Goodness Akinloye, the TLDS President, Ashimuyi Temitope, the TLDS General Secretary, Akinjare David, the UI’BP Captain, Eriomala John, the UI’BP Head of Research, and Sekinat, an alumni UI debater, supported the debaters on-site.
Speaking on the team’s success, Olokungbemi Gerald attributed the team’s win to rigorous preparation and consistent practice sessions leading up to the event. “We had adequate preparations through frequent practice sessions, especially on Saturday nights,” he said.
This well-deserved victory solidifies the University of Ibadan’s reputation as a premier powerhouse in collegiate debating.
