The first leg of the Inter-Faculty Category of Jaw War 2025 of the Literary and Debating Society of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, was kicked off during the week, with the theme: “Africa in the First Century and Beyond: Power, Progress and Possibility”.

Each round of this year’s edition, according to the organizers, is tied to a sub-theme, with the opening leg organised in partnership with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, focusing on food security and nutrition.

The President of TLDS, Peace Babatimileyin said; “This competition spans seven rounds, and for today, we have partnered with GAIN to spotlight food security and nutrition.

“Our speakers have been preparing since May, and we expect to hear deep insights on how young people can contribute to food security both in Africa and globally,”

He, therefore, described the competition as a defining platform for intellectual engagement in Nigeria and across Africa.

The National Coordinator, Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network under GAIN, Tomisin Odunbaku explained why the organisation partnered with Jaw War.

“Malnutrition is a huge challenge in Nigeria. Three out of five children are malnourished, while nine out of ten Nigerians consume contaminated food. With the president’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security, we know all hands must be on deck. That’s why we are collaborating with the University of Ibadan, to leverage the innovation and fresh ideas of students and youth to transform our food system.”

He assured that the arguments and solutions shared during the debates would not end in the hall, saying it could influence wider conversations around policy-making, youth engagement, and private sector action in nutrition.

The programme attracted students, alumni, civil society groups, and special guests, setting the tone for a six-week tournament that will climax with the grand finale on October 22, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The 2025 edition is expected to feature intense showdowns across halls and faculties, leading up to the highly anticipated finale in October, where a new champion will be crowned in what has become a defining tradition of Nigeria’s premier university.

In the first leg, Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall defeated Queen Elizabeth II Hall; Sultan Bello Hall beat Independence Hall; Mellanby Hall was outsmarted by Alexander Brown Hall; Tedder Hall was overpowered by Obafemi Awolowo Hall; while Queen Idia Hall beat Ransome-Kuti Hall. At the end, Muiz Opeyemi Ajayi was adjudged the best while Moboluwarin Ogunleye was second.