Photo Credit: Little Halo J, Pinterest

By: Abdullah Oladejo

“Every speech I have made; I have written out in full beforehand. I rehearse it in front of a mirror, and I time it to the second.” – Winston Churchill

Public speaking is an age-old adventure, one as old as the sun. Public speakers, especially those in leadership positions, cannot avoid public communication, as they are often required to address the people. For instance, the President, Governor, and other government officials will always, in one way or another, make public statements. Being an eloquent public speaker has proven, over time, to be rewarding. Notably leaders like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Winston Churchill, and Martin Luther King Jr, through their oratorical resilience, lent their voices to social activism.

Similarly, the University of Ibadan is home to a wealth of skilled public speakers. Public speaking has become deeply embedded in the university’s culture, forming an integral part of its fabric. Over the years, the university has produced outstanding orators who exemplify excellence in the craft. Notable names include Ayeni Otito Jesu, Tolulope Salami, Adebayo Abdulraman, Michael Barnabas, Sakeenah Kareem, Babatimehin Peace, and Gorgeana Reuben, among others.

Among the many competitions held, Jaw War, established in 2014, stands out as the largest and most prestigious. At Jaw War, every speaker must be exceptionally well-prepared before taking the stage, as a poor performance not only undermines the speaker but also brings discredit to their constituency. Yet, public speaking at the University of Ibadan goes beyond the competitive arena. It is a vital skill employed in class presentations, inaugural lectures, religious fellowships, and other academic and social gatherings.

For many University of Ibadan students, the journey into public speaking began in their formative years. Esther Ifeoluwa, a 300-level student of Special Education, is one such of example. Her passion for public speaking began during her primary school days. Though she wasn’t given a platform to express herself then, she quietly observed senior students and nurtured a dream to someday become a “microphone hero.” “I used to watch my seniors debate during my primary school days. Although I wasn’t given the chance to speak, I admired them and wanted to be like them,” Esther told IndyPress. However, it wasn’t until she arrived at the University of Ibadan that her dream began to take shape. UI became the fertile ground where her passion for public speaking blossomed.

Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. Esther recalled a time when, while preparing for a debate competition, she lost her entire train of thought just a day before the event. Her carefully crafted speech disappeared from memory, leaving her destabilized and hopeless. But with the help of her coach, she recovered and bounced back.

She described the process of preparing for debates as intense. From researching facts to writing compelling arguments and rehearsing repeatedly, the pressure can be overwhelming. Perhaps even more daunting, she noted, is the mental toll. The fear of going blank, the fear of shame, and the dread of losing face in front of an audience.

Esther’s story echoes that of Afeniforo Progress, who, after forgetting his speech during the 2023 Jaw War, was visibly thrown off balance. Yet, for Esther, the sacrifices have paid off. Public speaking, she said, has opened doors she never imagined. It has helped her build the confidence to voice her opinions, even in the presence of prominent figures, without fear. “At UI, being a public speaker has enabled me to meet people I otherwise might never have met, and I can now stand before respected individuals like the Vice Chancellor and make my opinions known without fear of being dismissed,” she told IndyPress.

Esther’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she emerged as the overall best speaker at a debate competition organized by her fellowship, the Baptist Student Fellowship. That moment, she said, boosted her confidence and reaffirmed her belief in her potential.

“Public speakers should lend their voices to social activism” – Ifeanyi Chukwu Elechi

Ifeanyi’s public speaking journey began at Government College Ibadan, where he was an active member of the literary and debating society. Now a 400-level Law student and the President of Indy Hall Literary and Debating Society, Ifeanyi stood out for his eloquence from an early age. However, adapting to the University of Ibadan’s more demanding public speaking landscape presented new challenges. Though naturally articulate, he initially struggled to organize and express his thoughts as clearly as he desired. This led him to seek mentorship.

With the guidance of experienced mentors, Ifeanyi began to unlock his potential. In his first year at the university, he won an oratory competition. However, the road wasn’t without difficulties. He once froze on stage, a moment so rattling that he still avoids watching the footage. Still, with consistent practice and resilience, he regained his composure and confidence. What keeps Ifeanyi committed to public speaking is not the awards or recognition, but the power of using one’s voice to drive change. For him, that is what elevates a speaker from ordinary to distinguished.

Beyond the university, he has taken his passion further, organizing public speaking programs for various audiences. One notable initiative was a training session for over a hundred secondary school students, where he helped nurture young speakers. Reflecting on what makes a distinguished speaker, he said, “To become a distinguished public speaker, one must think critically. Many people, especially in academia, don’t want to ask tough questions. But a true speaker tackles real issues and gives voice to the problems affecting society.”

He told IndyPress that public speaking has enhanced his writing skills and ability to express his ideas clearly. Skills that have paved the way for fellowships and professional growth. Like most successful individuals, Ifeanyi draws inspiration from mentors. At UI, he admired Tolulope Salami. Globally, he looks to Martin Luther King Jr. as a model of what a voice can achieve. For Ifeanyi, public speaking at UI must move beyond showmanship. It should inspire thought, engage with real issues, and foster change. He believes public speakers have a duty to contribute to activism, not just bask in the spotlight. “Beyond winning competitions, speakers should lend their voices to social issues. Many problems in our school mirror societal and regional challenges. We need courageous speakers to tackle real problems,” he advised.

“I didn’t join public speaking to gain fame and popularity” – Abifoluwa Dunnie

Abifoluwa Dunnie is a shining example of purpose-driven public communication. A 400-level student of Early Childhood Education and Vice President of NUESA L&D, her journey began with fear. She often hesitated to voice her ideas publicly. But things changed when she joined the Literary and Debating Society of the Faculty of Education and Queen Elizabeth II Hall. Gradually, her confidence grew. A turning point in her journey was the mentorship of Gorgeana Reuben, who equipped her with both the skill set and the encouragement to thrive as a speaker.

Abifoluwa’s leadership extends beyond debate. She also leads group projects and presentations within and beyond her department. One notable moment came during a Political Science presentation, where she was named best speaker in her class. For her, public speaking is a platform for social impact. Inspired by icons like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her mentor Gorgeana, Abifoluwa seeks to make meaningful contributions through her voice. “While public speaking has earned some people fame and popularity, that’s not why I joined. I want to make a difference. The message matters most, and that’s what every speaker should prioritize. Beyond accolades and recognition, it’s the change we bring that counts,” she told IndyPress.

“Public speaking is something everybody has to learn” – Sakeenah Kareem

Sakeenah Kareem, a 400-level student in the Department of Communication and Language Arts, and current President of the Faculty of Arts Literary and Debating Society began her journey with an inter-class debate in primary school. She later advanced her skills after joining UI.

Her breakthrough came when she represented her faculty in a “Pick and Talk” debate hosted by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), where she emerged victorious. This success opened doors for further competitions, including the Tech Bilateral Debate and an inter-varsity debate at Lead City University, where her team placed third. In Jaw War 2023, she debuted as first speaker for her faculty and won her round.

On balancing academics and public speaking, she said, “There is no way extracurricular won’t affect your studies. Sometimes, you have a speech to memorize and a test to prepare for. When I went to Lead City to represent UI for three days, I had to call my lecturer to reschedule a test.”

Reflecting on Jaw War, she said, “Jaw War brings both good and bad publicity. There is the pressure of captivating the audience and proving your worth.” “Many students come just for the banter without understanding its purpose. Some even hype speakers they don’t know. When I’m on stage, it feels like my whole faculty is depending on me, but win or lose, I enjoy the process,” she added.

Sakeenah stressed the need for everyone to develop public speaking skills. “Not everyone will speak at Jaw War, but we all need public speaking. Whether it is project presentations or conversations with clients, you’ll need to speak.” Like others, Sakeenah told IndyPress that public speaking has brought her countless opportunities and widened her perspective.

From the experiences of these public speakers, it is clear that public speaking does more than boost popularity, it hones communication skills, builds confidence, and opens doors. For these reasons, students should prioritize mastering the art. As Ifeanyi and Abifoluwa emphasized, public speakers must look beyond awards and recognition and use their voices to address the pressing social issues within and beyond the university.