In this week’s Spotlight edition, IndyPress Correspondence speaks with Michael Oluwagunwa, a multi-award-winning debater, essayist and public speaker whose growing profile has been shaped by remarkable successes in national and international competitions.

He emerged winner of the 2026 DealHQ Partners Undergraduate International Essay Competition . Prior to his latest achievement, Michael also finished as second runner-up at the Dafe Akpedeye SAN National Essay Competition, the LASU National Energy Essay Competition, and the 2026 Adeola Oyinlade & Co. National Essay Competition.

He was named Best Debater at the 2026 OAU PRIMA Strata National Law Debate Championship and has participated in the Youth Leadership Debate Programme organised by LEAP Africa, among several other parliamentary debating and public speaking contests.

Beyond competitions, Michael has demonstrated leadership in various capacities, serving as President of the Faculty of Law Literary and Debating Society, University of Ibadan, and as Chamber Head of the H.O. Davies Chamber, where he coordinated a landmark legal conference that brought together a Justice of the Supreme Court and leading practitioners from some of Nigeria’s foremost law firms. He also interned at GELIAS & Co., where he distinguished himself in moot and mock trial advocacy.

Passionate about mentoring the next generation of speakers and writers, Michael believes logic and critical thinking are essential tools for creativity. He is currently a final-year law student at the University of Ibadan and a blue-belt Taekwondo athlete.

Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Michael Oladokun, a 500-level Law student at the University of Ibadan. I am a writer, public speaker and lifelong learner. Over the years, I have taken on leadership roles while focusing on giving back to the community that built me. More than anything, I am someone who prefers working behind the scenes rather than being in the spotlight. That is a little about who I am.

You recently emerged winner of the 2026 DealHQ Partners Undergraduate International Essay Competition. Could you walk us through the journey to that achievement?

It started around May this year when a senior colleague, Mr. Akorede, sent me the application details. Full credit goes to him for bringing the opportunity to my attention.

When I saw the call for entries, I realised it was open to undergraduate students across Africa. At first, I hesitated because I knew brilliant minds from institutions across the continent would be applying. A few days later, however, my friend, Ifeanyichukwu Elechi, recommended the same competition to me. That made me reconsider.

I thought to myself, “Why not put in the work?” I looked at mentors like Ugochukwu, Aishat Yusuf, Olayide Bolaji. They did not get to where they are by chickening out. They put in the work, so I decided to do the same.

I carried out my research, invested the time and submitted my essay. By God’s grace, I made the list of the top 10 finalists alongside brilliant writers from countries such as Ghana and Kenya. Simply making the top 10 already felt like a major achievement. When the organisers announced the final results, I was grateful to emerge as the winner.

Many people know you for winning competitions. Outside the awards, what role does writing play in your life?

That is a very interesting question. I enjoy writing in general, and I do not like to compartmentalise my work into writing for fun or writing for competitions. I write for myself.

To give a quick backstory, when I found out I had won, the very first thing I did was get onto my bed, curl up with some snacks and read through my essay three times. That shows how much I write for my own fulfillment. If other people read my work and appreciate it, that is a welcome bonus, but I do not write solely to please an audience. I write so that I can revisit my work years later and feel proud of what I created.

Every piece I write must also have a purpose, a reason for existing. Whether it is for leisure or for a competition, there has to be a deeper intent behind it.

What does your achievement say about the quality of talent at the University of Ibadan? Do you think students lack opportunities, or are many simply holding themselves back?

Ever since I came to the University of Ibadan, I have consistently met exceptionally talented people. There are incredible writers here. I could easily mention dozens of them.

The opportunities exist, but one of the biggest challenges is accessing them and finding those that align with your niche. I was fortunate to have a senior who shared the competition details with me, but not everyone has that kind of network or guidance. While access remains a hurdle, the talent pool at the University of Ibadan is undeniably top-tier.

What would you say to a student who feels ordinary or believes success is reserved for other people?

I would tell them that I am ordinary myself. We are all ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Success is not reserved for a select few. You are part of that group too. Extraordinary achievements are accomplished by everyday people who simply choose to try.

Are there any upcoming competitions, research projects or initiatives you are looking forward to?

At the moment, I do not have anything immediately lined up. However, I am looking forward to participating in the Commonwealth Essay Competition and the Youth Leadership Debate Programme by Pasifika.