UCJ Sports Editor, Mahbubat Salaudeen, won the Ivory Award for being the most outstanding in journalism at the University of Ibadan Students’ Union 2025 Dinner and Awards Night held on Sunday, 19th of October, 2025 at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan.
The event rounded off the Union Week with a celebration of excellence, recognising individuals, departments, and sponsors who contributed to student life and the success of the week-long activities.
The ceremony, which held amid cheers and applause, featured the presentation of awards across several categories. The Department of Communication and Language Arts emerged as Department of the Year, while Jaw War was named Community Engagement Project of the Year. Indy Hall received Hall of the Year, and the Faculty of Technology was awarded Faculty of the Year.
In the individual categories, Gloria Akinyemi was recognised as Sportsman of the Year, Oluwafunmilayo Immaculate received the Fresher of the Year award, while Bolaji Aweda (Oloye) was named Finalist of the Year. Adesola James clinched Digital Creator of the Year, and Kit by T won Best Business of the Year.
The Union also presented appreciation awards to sponsors and partners who supported the Union Week, including Mr. Ayodele Olaserinde, Mr. Olaseyin (bus driver), Third Creative Agency, The Trills Consulting, SBJ Foods, and Mia Peculiar Adedeji, among others.
Committee heads such as Fidelia, Adeoti, and other members of the Students’ Union committees were also recognised for their efforts in organising the week’s events. Additional honours were given to Ezekiel Adekanbi as the most Outstanding Executive, Ojewale Emmanuel Oluwasegun as Most Outstanding in Hall Leadership, and Damilare as Class Representative of the Year.
Speaking on her recognition, Mahbubat expressed gratitude for the honour, saying;
“Winning the Ivory Award as the best in journalism is an incredible honour and a humbling reminder of why I started my journey in sports in the first place, coupled with the fact that I was announced as the Best Student in Journalism by UI MSSN less than two weeks ago.”
She added that the recognition represents more than a personal achievement, but a celebration of stories often overlooked in sports.
“This award is not just for me; it’s for every student athlete, every female athlete, and every local talent whose story in sports deserves to be heard. Covering women’s football, the Nigerian Premier Football League, CAF Champions League, and student sports has shown me how essential representation is, and how much more attention must be given to athletes who are often ignored in sports.”
Mahbubat went on to express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported her journey, including her sister, her career coach Mr. Orimolade Oluwamuyemi, friends, AFAS Press, UCJ UI, and others who believed in her work and considered her worthy of the honour.
The dinner marked the end of the 2025 Students’ Union Week, which featured a range of activities celebrating creativity, leadership, and student engagement across the university community.
