By: Nnamdi Ochi Maduabuchi

TLDS ticked off one item on their road to Jaw War, as the Judges Conference was held successfully on the 12th of January 2024 in Room 32 at the Faculty of Arts.

The meeting was set to begin at 3:00 pm but later started by 3:25 pm due to the late arrival of several senators. This would go on to be a major talking point–the issue of starting late–as the meeting progressed, with one of the judges, Dr Opeyemi Gbadegeshin, stating that they would only allow a grace period of 10-15 minutes before they walked out; should Jaw War not start on time. However, the TLDS President, Aweda Bolaji, assured everyone that Jaw War would start on time this year.

Other topics that were discussed were the points being allocated to delivery and content. Some judges proposed that the points be made equal. However, they decided to leave the score as it is. There were also some clarifications regarding refutations (i.e. should a person see a reduction in points if their opponent expertly refute them).

Of the 14 judges chosen, seven of them were returning, while the others were making their debuts.

The 7 returning judges include: Dr. Demola Lewis, Dr. Akin Tella, Prof. Remi Aiyede, Dr. Aiki Raji, Dr. Bimbo Benson, Mr. Onele Peter Cole, and Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare.

Meanwhile, the new judges are: Dr Roseline Ozegbe, Dr. Stephen Lafenwa, Dr. T. O. Aladelusi, Mr. Samuel Adeniji, Dr. Opeyemi Gbadegeshin, Mr Adediran Adesokan, Mr. Ayeni-Otiti Jesu.

With another event marked off the calendar, the road to Jaw War becomes clearer and the time left for preparation shortens.