The University of Ibadan (UI) emerged winner of the national quiz competition at the 2026 edition of JAW WAR, scoring 84.4 per cent to finish ahead of seven other participating universities, as Alexander Brown Hall (ABH) and the Faculty of Technology also secured the inter-hall and inter-faculty debate titles, respectively.
The grand finale of the 12th edition of the University of Ibadan’s literary and debating competition was held on Wednesday, October 14, at the International Conference Centre, UI, featuring the final rounds of the inter-hall and inter-faculty debate categories, a national policy debate, a rookie oratory contest and the presentation of individual awards.
In the national competition, UI recorded 84.4 per cent to claim first place and a laptop, while Rivers State University finished second with 80.8 per cent to win an iPad. Redeemer’s University placed third with 80.1 per cent, earning a Redmi Pad 2.
Olabisi Onabanjo University finished fourth with 74.6 per cent, followed by the University of Ilorin, which scored 72.6 per cent to take fifth place. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology came sixth with 71.4 per cent, while Lagos State University scored 71 per cent to finish seventh. Lead City University finished eighth place with 69.8 per cent.
Beyond the national debates round, ABH secured the inter-hall championship after defeating Ransome Kuti Hall in a closely contested final. ABH scored 85.6 per cent against Kuti Hall’s 83.1 per cent, a margin of 2.5 percentage points.
The victory capped ABH’s intriguing run to the final; they had defeated Obafemi Awolowo in the semi-final, 74.5 per cent to 70.75 per cent, to set up their participation in the final. Kuti Hall had earned its place in the final by overcoming Lord Tedder Hall 76 per cent to 70.6 per cent in the semi-final too.
In the inter-faculty category, the Faculty of Technology defeated the Faculty of Law to win the inter-faculty debates round, recording 83.95 per cent against Law’s 79.8 per cent.
The competition also recognised emerging public-speaking talent through its rookie oratory category. Feranmi Adejumo emerged winner with 81 per cent, while Olaiya Samuel came second with 80.25 per cent. Kayode Emmanuel finished third with 79.75 per cent.
Individual awards recognised speakers for their performances across the competition. Bartholomew Samuel received the Best Speaker award, accompanied by a cash prize of ₦100,000. He also won the Overall Best Rebuttal award.
Oluwagunwa Michael received the Overall Best Speech and Overall Best Finalist awards, alongside ₦100,000 sponsored in honour of the late Emmanuel Abisola Osoko. A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of the deceased during the event.
Ojo Esther, who represented Obafemi Awolowo Hall and the Faculty of Education, won the Audience Choice Award. Babatimehin Peace, the second speaker representing the Faculty of Technology, was named Overall Best Speaker of the Night.
Dr Akinlolu Tella was also recognised for his support for JAW WAR 2026, while the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, received an award of recognition. Some dignitaries at the grand finale included the University Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Saliu, the Dean of Students, Professor Demola Lewis, and Prof Dike Harcourt Whyte, the Rivers State University Debate Union’s staff advisor, among others.
The conclusion of JAW WAR 2026 brought to a successful end a competition that has been marked by a lore that will be talked about for years to come.
