By: Adebumowa Jesutomiwo
Akinlawon Goodluck, a 400 level Law student of the University of Ibadan, emerged winner of the third edition of Amnesty International Competition on the 22nd of May, 2025.
The debate competition, which had different rounds, held its finals at the Shehu Yar’adua Centre, Abuja.
The event, themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change”, featured representatives from sixteen universities across Nigeria.
After competing in the first round against a representative of Usman Dan Fodio University on the topic “The degree of fair speech has been taken too far”, and winning with a score of 78.3 to 63.3, Goodluck advanced to the final round.
There, she represented the University of Ibadan against debaters from Landmark University, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Port Harcourt, University of Benin, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, Gombe State University, University of Maiduguri, Baze University, and Benue State University Makurdi.
The final round brought together some of the brightest student debaters in Nigeria, and Goodluck’s performance earned her the top spot at the competition.
Speaking with the UCJ, she expressed gratitude and pride in the achievement. “I feel very proud of myself because I had initial doubts, seeing that it was my first time going outside UI for a debate. But with the support of my coordinator, Dr. Bisi Olawuyi, Head of Department, CLA, I was able to get over my doubts,” she said.
“I also feel grateful. Representing UI at such a prestigious event is definitely a privilege and not a right. It was an honour to have represented UI.”
“As for the award, it is a reminder for me to keep improving myself. If the little effort I’ve put into improving myself as a public speaker can yield this much, then there’s no limit to how much impact I can have on others if I keep improving.”
The runner ups in the competition were Odebale Odemena from Baze University, Abuja and Alexander Boroh from University of Benin, who were in the second and third place respectively.
