The University of Lagos reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing intellectual excellence as the University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU), in partnership with the University of Lagos Debate Society (ULDS) and Junior Chamber International (JCI), hosted the grand finale of the 2026 Inter-Faculty Debate, Spelling Bee and Public Speaking Competitions on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Tayo Aderinokun Auditorium.
The three-day academic showcase, held on June 24, 26 and 27, 2026, brought together some of the University’s brightest minds in a celebration of critical thinking, eloquence, leadership and healthy competition.
A Debate for the Future
The highlight of the grand finale was a thought-provoking debate on the motion:
“This House Believes that universities should actively adapt to, rather than resist, the widespread use of generative AI.”
Students from different faculties demonstrated remarkable analytical ability, persuasive communication and intellectual depth as they defended opposing sides of one of the most pressing issues shaping higher education today.
Beyond the debate, contestants competed in spelling bee and public speaking events, advancing through preliminary, semi-final and final rounds in contests designed to sharpen communication skills, confidence and leadership potential.
The Battle of Minds
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, congratulated the Students’ Union for reviving and successfully organising what has become a vibrant platform for academic excellence.
Describing today’s global competition as one driven by knowledge and innovation, she challenged students to prepare themselves for the future.
“The world we are in now is about the battle of the minds… it’s the battle of intellects.”
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to embrace emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence and cloud computing while continually developing the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. She also encouraged greater collaboration between academia and industry to support and nurture young talents.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
In his welcome address, ULSU President, Bolaji Akinpelu, described the grand finale as the first major academic competition organised by the Students’ Union in over a decade.
He commended all participating students for their courage, eloquence and determination, urging them to celebrate excellence while upholding the spirit of sportsmanship regardless of the competition’s outcome.
Debate Coach Praises Finalists’ Tenacity
The core adjudication team for the ULSU Inter-Faculty Debate, Spelling Bee, and Public Speaking Competition was recognized by UNILAG Debate Coach, Dr. Yewande Ntekim-Rex, highlighting their pivotal role in evaluating the event.
Dr. Ntekim-Rex, who is also the Deputy Director of Confucius Institute (CI, UNILAG), commended all the finalists. She acknowledged their hard work, saying, “It’s no easy feat to make it through four rounds, the semi-finals, and into the finals.
The core adjudication team had Dawn Ntekim-Rex and Imole Okediji as Co-Chief Adjudicators, Opeyemi Abdulrasaq as Deputy Chief Adjudicator, Feyisayo Ajayi-Abu as Tab Mistress, Oluwadarasimi Sogunro as Deputy Tab Mistress as well as Peace Avose (Engineering) and Rukayat Oladunkanmi Opeyemi (Social Sciences)as novice judges.
Faculty of Arts Emerges Champion
Following keenly contested rounds, the winners emerged as follows:
- First Place: Komolafe Tobiloba and Akinola Abayomi Edward (Faculty of Arts)- ₦200,000
- Second Place: Adekunle Michael Orazulike and Derick (Faculty of Clinical Sciences/Dental Sciences) – ₦150,000
- Third Place: Adaun Pereira Isaac and Nwosah Angel (Faculty of Social Sciences) – ₦100,000
In addition to the competition prizes, participants and audience members received exciting giveaways, including mobile phones, power banks and earbuds, courtesy of Transsion Holdings, the parent company of TECNO, Infinix, itel, Oraimo and Carlcare, further underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting innovation and youth development across Africa.
Distinguished Guests
The event attracted several principal officers of the University and distinguished guests, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Olusoji Ilori; representative of the Registrar, Mrs. Mfon Udoma Mendie; Deputy Director, Student Affairs Division, Dr. Abdulganiu Iyanda; Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Abolade Akinwunmi; former Deputy Director of the Confucius Institute, UNILAG, Dr. Adetoro Banwo; as well as representatives of partner organisations, industry stakeholders and campus ambassadors.
The 2026 Inter-Faculty Debate, Spelling Bee and Public Speaking Competitions once again demonstrated the University of Lagos’ enduring commitment to developing intellectually equipped, innovative and globally competitive graduates, reinforcing its position as the University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride.
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photograph: Ayomide Oloyede and Favour Megwara
