Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has added yet another feather to its cap as the university’s Literary and Debating Society (OAULDS) emerged overall champions at the recently concluded All-Nigeria Universities Debate Championship, held at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, from 24th to 30th August 2025.
The tournament, which featured over 25 universities, 70 teams, and more than 140 participants from across the country, witnessed intense intellectual engagement, well-thought-out points, and effective speaking. In the end, the team from OAU distinguished itself as the best, clinching the coveted title of Nigeria’s top university debating team.
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OAU’s victory was led by Team A, comprising Israel Ajake and Grillo Adedolapo, who claimed the Open Championship title. Team B, made up of Wole Ogidan and Bethel Olaiya, also delivered an outstanding performance that contributed to the university’s overall success. The university was further represented in the adjudication category by Anigilaje Kanyinsola, who also made her mark at the championship.
The team’s triumph was not limited to the team title alone. Individually, Grillo Adedolapo was named Best Novice Speaker of the tournament, highlighting his exceptional skill and promise. Anigilaje Kanyinsola was recognised as the Second Best Novice Adjudicator, while Bethel Olaiya secured second place in the Public Speaking category, further underlining the team’s dominance in both debate and public speaking.
The Great Ife Students’ Union, in a release on Sunday, 31st August, hailed this achievement as a proud moment for the entire university, describing it as a testament to OAU’s legacy of brilliance, discipline, and innovation. The release partly reads, ‘The Union is exceedingly proud of this feat and urges all Great Ife students to keep embodying the spirit of excellence, discipline, and innovation that defines us. Let us continue to raise the banner of OAU high, within and beyond our campus walls.’
This achievement reflects the strength of OAULDS and its enduring legacy of academic excellence, eloquence, and deep thinking on the national stage. The university community celebrates this historic win as a symbol of Great Ife’s continued commitment to distinction and leadership in all spheres.