By Rauf Mujeeb

On Tuesday, September 1, Jaw War’26, the biggest debating competitions in Sub-Saharan Africa commenced with Great Independence Hall, Lord Tedder Hall, Obafemi Awolowo Hall, Alexander Brown Hall, and Ransome Kuti Hall emerging victorious in their respective opening-round fixtures.

The opening round held at the New Faculty Lecture Theatre (NFLT), Faculty of Technology marked the beginning of the inter-hall slugfest, as representatives of five halls competed on the stage in an intense display of eloquence, wit, and intellectual rivalry.

Setting the tone for the competition, the judge, Mr Bodunde Ebenezer, announced the official judging modalities.

According to him, the speakers are to be graded across eight core parameters: Appearance (5 marks), Delivery (20 marks), Content and Facts (30 marks), Persuasiveness (10 marks), Logic (10 marks), Refutation (10 marks), Time Management (5 marks), and Structure and Organisation (10 marks).

Timekeeper Victor Adedoyin further announced that each speaker would be allocated five minutes, with a single bell sounding at the fourth minute and continuous ringing indicating the end of the allotted time.

The opening fixtures featured five high-stakes matchups centred on pressing national issues.

Awo defeats Mellanby

Kenneth Mellanby Hall faced Obafemi Awolowo Hall on the motion, “Should Nigeria Adopt a Unicameral Legislature instead of a Bicameral System?”

Mellanby Hall was represented by Ranta Oluwatobiloba and Ajibolu Michael, while Akanmu Nafisat represented Awolowo Hall.

Awolowo Hall won the round with a score of 76.15%, defeating Mellanby Hall, which recorded 66.15%.

ABH edges defending champions

Defending champions Sultan Bello Hall faced Alexander Brown Hall on the motion, “Nigeria’s presidential system should be replaced by a Parliamentary system to achieve greater responsibility and accountability.”

Sultan Bello Hall was represented by Muiz Opeyemi and Obadeyi Victor, while Alexander Brown Hall featured Moboluwarin Ogunleye and Hafisah Wojuade.

Alexander Brown Hall secured the victory with 79.65%, edging Sultan Bello Hall, which recorded 76.3%.

Kuti defeats Zik

Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall went head-to-head with Ransome Kuti Hall on the motion, “National Assembly is more of a liability than an asset to Nigeria’s development.”

Faith Umokhori and Segun Oladejo represented Zik Hall, while Samuel Olaniyi and Peter Oyediji represented Kuti Hall.

Kuti Hall emerged victorious with 79.3%, while Zik Hall finished with 76.15%.

Indy records highest score of the day

Independence Hall delivered a strong performance to defeat Queen Idia Hall on the motion, “Democracy in Nigeria: A system that has fulfilled its promise or a work still in progress?”

Independence Hall was represented by Ifeanyichukwu Kelechi and Ayeni Matthew, while Adedeji Grace and Onaolapo Prosper represented Queen Idia Hall.

Indy secured the highest score of the day with 83.15%, defeating Queen Idia Hall, which recorded 74.8%.

Tedder triumphs over Queen Elizabeth II

Lord Tedder Hall defeated Queen Elizabeth II Hall on the motion, “Should Nigerian traditional rulers be given constitutional roles in governance?”

Tedder Hall was represented by Bartholomew Samuel and Olaoye Olawale, while Momoh Favour and Olusoga Feyisara represented Queen Elizabeth II Hall.

Tedder Hall emerged victorious with 81.15%, while Queen Elizabeth II Hall recorded 72.8%.

At the end of the intellectual showdown, Ayeni Matthew, the second speaker for Independence Hall, clinched the title of Best Speaker of the Round.