GREAT IFE STUDENT UNION PRO RAISES THE BAR WITH 'TUG OF WORDS' DEBATE COMPETITION

 THE AWO TIMES

Campus News | June 14, 2025

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GREAT IFE STUDENT UNION PRO RAISES THE BAR WITH 'TUG OF WORDS' DEBATE COMPETITION 

The Great Ife Student Union Public Relations Officer in conjunction with The Obafemi Awolowo University Literary and Debating Society, on Saturday, 14th of June 2025, hosted an inter-institution tournament —TUG OF WORDS – A British Parliamentary Tournament.

 Held at Oduduwa hall in Obafemi Awolowo University. The tournament featured four great institutions namely: University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

The event commenced with an opening prayer, alongside a spirited recitation of the Nigerian National Anthem and Great Ife Anthem. Hereafter, the Public Relations Officer of the Great Ife Student Union, came on stage to give the opening remark.

In his speech,  the Public Relations Officer, appreciated God for the ability to go this far and the hurdles he faced during his political journey. He further stated how he has been blessed with the gift of men before and during his term as the P.R.O for the Great Ife Student Union.

 He stated how he has been able to carry out great exploits by organizing impactful events towards teaching values and proving that students can gain excellence. He further said that he has always desired to create a platform for students where their words matter; a platform where diverse knowledge was appreciated.

 He further added that the event was not just an accomplishment, as his final event before leaving the office, but was also the accomplishment of a long-time dream. He ended his speech by appreciating his parents and their support over the years and also appreciated his team for the effort that was put into actualizing the event and other executives of the Great Ife Student Union. 

After the welcoming remark, the judges—Sadiq Farhan and Clement Gladstone—were introduced. Their notable achievements were shared with the audience, sparking interest and reinforcing confidence in the fairness and credibility of the judging panel.

Next, the debaters representing each institution—two per school—were introduced. The judges then addressed the participants and audience, outlining the expectations for the tournament, which followed the British Parliamentary format. They explained the event’s structure, presented the motion, and offered a detailed breakdown to clear up any confusion that arose from its initial reading.

With everything set, the first debate kicked off between the University of Lagos and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). The atmosphere was electric as both teams engaged in a spirited exchange, marked by compelling arguments, sharp reasoning, and impressive clarity.

The excitement only grew when the University of Ibadan (UI) faced off against Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Their debate had the audience fully engaged, many visibly captivated by the intensity and intellectual brilliance on display.

Following the debate rounds, the audience were treated to a soul-stirring performance, by spoken word artist, Giwa Asia Adedoyin, whose powerful poem resonated deeply with listeners and added an artistic touch to the day’s proceedings.

With anticipation at its peak, the long-awaited results were finally revealed. To the surprise of many, the University of Ibadan secured third place, while the Federal University of Technology, Akure, claimed second. The coveted first position was awarded to Obafemi Awolowo University, prompting an eruption of cheers as OAU students celebrated their well-earned victory with visible excitement and pride.

The event then transitioned into the award presentation ceremony. Among the notable honorees was Oladejo Christopher Iyanuoluwa, who received an Award of Excellence for his remarkable contributions to the success of the program. Adegbite Oluwagbemi was also honored for his outstanding role. Several other key contributors were recognized and appreciated for their efforts in bringing the event to life.

The event concluded with an open pitch session for interested brands, followed by a heartfelt closing prayer—bringing a memorable day of learning, eloquence, and celebration to a fitting close.

Tug Of Words, marked a significant milestone, serving as a powerful platform for fostering inter-institutional connectivity and collaboration across Nigerian Universities. Beyond the competition, it offered students a rare opportunity to showcase their individuality, engage across diverse fields, and build meaningful relationships with peers from other institutions.