The 12th edition of Jaw War 2026, tagged “Africa and the Burden of Tomorrow: Power, Identity and the Future of Freedom,” commenced at the New Faculty Lecture Theatre (NFLT), Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The opening round of the hall category featured 10 halls competing across five debates.
The event officially began at 5:56pm. with the Jaw War slogan, “Stand up, speak up, shut up,” led by the hosts, Oyindamola Fawehinmi and Precious Ibeh. The hosts called out the different halls represented in the audience, after which the national anthem, university anthem and Jaw War anthem were rendered.
The President of the Literary and Debating Society (TLDS), Goodness T. Akinloye, subsequently delivered a welcome address, followed by the recognition of guests and the sponsors of Jaw War.
Mr Bodunde Ebenezer announced the marking criteria for the competition. Appearance carried five marks, delivery 20 marks, content and facts 30 marks, persuasiveness 10 marks, refutation 10 marks, logic 10 marks, time management five marks, and structure and organisation 10 marks, making a total of 100 marks.
The timekeeper, Victor Adedoyin, also explained the time rules, stating that each speaker had five minutes. A single bell would indicate the fourth minute, while continuous ringing would indicate that the speaker’s time had elapsed.
Mellanby vs Awo Hall
Mellanby Hall and Awo Hall took the first leg of the competition, debating the topic: “Should Nigeria adopt a unicameral legislature instead of a bicameral system?”
Ranta Oluwatobiloba of Mellanby Hall spoke first, followed by Nafisat of Awo Hall. The second speakers, Michael of Mellanby Hall and Moyosore of Awo Hall, subsequently took their turns.
Awo Hall won the round with 76.15%, defeating Mellanby Hall, which recorded 66.15%.
Bello Hall vs Alexandra Brown Hall
The second leg featured Sultan Bello Hall and Alexandra Brown Hall, debating: “Nigeria’s presidential system should be replaced by a parliamentary system to achieve greater responsibility and accountability.”
Muiz of Bello Hall took the first stance, followed by Moboluwarin of Alexandra Brown Hall. The second speakers, Olufisayo of Bello Hall and Hafisah of Alexandra Brown Hall, subsequently delivered their speeches.
Alexandra Brown Hall won with 79.65%, defeating Sultan Bello Hall, which recorded 76.3%.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall vs Ransome Kuti Hall
The third leg was between Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall and Ransome Kuti Hall on the topic: “The National Assembly is more of a liability than an asset to Nigeria’s development.”
Faith of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall delivered the first speech, followed by Samuel of Ransome Kuti Hall. Segun of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall and Peter of Ransome Kuti Hall subsequently took their turns.
Ransome Kuti Hall won with 79.3%, defeating Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, which recorded 76.15%.
Great Independence Hall vs Queen Idia Hall
The fourth leg featured Great Independence Hall and Queen Idia Hall, debating: “Democracy in Nigeria: A system that has fulfilled its promise or a work still in progress?”
Ifeanyichukwu Kelechi of Great Independence Hall spoke first, followed by Grace of Queen Idia Hall. The second speakers, Matthew of Great Independence Hall and Prosper of Queen Idia Hall, subsequently delivered their speeches.
Great Independence Hall won with 83.15%, the highest score recorded in the opening round, defeating Queen Idia Hall, which recorded 74.8%.
Lord Tedder Hall vs Queen Elizabeth II Hall
The final leg of the first round was between Lord Tedder Hall and Queen Elizabeth II Hall. They debated the topic: “Should Nigerian traditional rulers be given constitutional roles in governance?”
Bartholomew of Lord Tedder Hall delivered the first speech, followed by Moyo of Queen Elizabeth II Hall. The second speakers, Olawale of Lord Tedder Hall and Feyisara of Queen Elizabeth II Hall, subsequently took their turns.
Lord Tedder Hall won with 81.15%, defeating Queen Elizabeth II Hall, which recorded 72.8%.
At the end of the debates, host Precious Ibeh explained that the first-round results would not determine the overall winner of the competition. The second-leg round across the categories is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, while the finals are scheduled for October 10, 2026.
Best speaker
The Best Speaker Award, sponsored by SBJ, was also announced. The nominees were Ifeanyichukwu Kelechi, first speaker of Great Independence Hall; Moboluwarin Ogunleye, first speaker of Alexandra Brown Hall; Ayeni Matthew, second speaker of Great Independence Hall; and Bartholomew Samuel, first speaker of Lord Tedder Hall.
Ayeni Matthew, the second speaker for Great Independence Hall, was subsequently announced as the Best Speaker of the round.
The scores recorded by the different halls were:
- Mellanby Hall — 66.15%
- Awo Hall — 76.15%
- Sultan Bello Hall — 76.3%
- Alexandra Brown Hall — 79.65%
- Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall — 76.15%
- Ransome Kuti Hall — 79.3%
- Great Independence Hall — 83.15%
- Queen Idia Hall — 74.8%
- Lord Tedder Hall — 81.15%
- Queen Elizabeth II Hall — 72.8%
