By Mujeeb Olatunji 

A 100-level student and resident of the Great Independence Hall University of Ibadan, Alexander Okelue, has emerged winner of the 2026 inter-hall freshers’ oratory competition organised by the University of Ibadan Students’ Union.

The competition, held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, was jointly organised by the Students’ Union and the UI Literary and Debating Society.

Speaking with IndyPress, Alexander attributed his victory to mentorship support and deliberate preparation from members of the Literary and Debating Society of Independence Hall.

“I owe it all to God actually, because it was through Him and through the people that He brought that mentored me that I was able to win,” he said.

He further acknowledged the role played by the executives and mentors of the hall’s Literary and Debating Society in his preparation.

“Behind that performance was the effort of my mentors, the vice-president, the president and other executives from my L&D debating society. They were very intentional about me winning and put-in a lot of practice and training into it.” He added.

Other top finalists included Matthias Kingsley Ezekiel of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall University of Ibadan, who placed second, and Afolabi Janet Ibukun of Queen Idia Hall University of Ibadan, who came third.

This year’s victory marks the second consecutive win for Independence Hall in the freshers’ inter-hall oratory competition.

The contest featured participants from eight halls of residence and formed part of activities marking the ongoing University of Ibadan Freshers’ Week.