By Faith Ajewole
Twelve years. Yes, you read that right.
For over a decade, one of the most prestigious public speaking events in Sub-Saharan Africa has consistently set the standard for intellectual prowess. Now, the 12th Edition of Jaw War is ready to unleash its excellence in its vibrant colours.
Jaw War, year after year, has held an unbreakable, captivating spell over the University of Ibadan campus, literally. It perfectly depicts a U.I annual sort of “pilgrimage”, a mirage of feet converging, hearts pounding in unison, desperate for the taste of a hard-earned victory.
Bello! Awo! voices roaring, the stage set with absolute mastery of debate speeches, dressed in tailored suits. It is an arena of minds oozing with sharp punchlines, larynxes pushed to their absolute limits, fingers snapping in rapturous agreement, and a crowd left utterly spellbound as intellectual topics lock horns over the dividing lines of “For” and “Against.”
Yes, Jar War is back!
This year, the legendary stage is set to serve its most explosive dish yet. The theme? UPRISINGS.
The stakes have never been higher, as Jaw War: Uprisings is proudly ushering in the second edition of the prestigious Timi Olagunju Poetry Prize.
To match the magnitude of the 12th edition, the perks have been elevated across the board. Beyond the coveted cash prizes, the ultimate winner will earn the lifetime honour of performing their winning poem live on the grand stage, at the Jaw War Finals, scheduled for October 10, 2026.
If you have words burning in your chest waiting to be unleashed, here is your battlefield.
The Rewards
1st Position: ₦120,000 + Grand Final Performance on October 10, 2026
2nd Position: ₦80,000
3rd Position: ₦50,000
Submission Guidelines
Before you submit your masterpiece, make sure your entry meets the official criteria:
Eligibility: Must be an active student of the University of Ibadan.
Formatting: Submissions must be in .doc format or PDF (Times New Roman, 12-point font).
Anonymity: No personal identification should be included within the document itself. Save and name the document file solely as the Title of your work.
Limits & Originality: Strictly one poem per entrant, with a maximum of 30 lines. The work must be entirely original and unpublished.
Student ID and Short Bio: Along with your poem, you must upload an image of your student ID card and include a 150-word biography (detailing your name, level, and any other relevant information).
Simultaneous Submissions: Allowed, but you must notify the organisers immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
Submission Deadline: September 25, 2026
How to Apply: Submit your entry via rebrand.ly/Timi-Olagunju-Poetry-Prize
The stage is set once again. Will you be a spectator?
