President of the University of Ibadan (UI) Literary and Debating Society, Peace Babatimehin, has described the institution’s yearly debating competition as a cornerstone of intellectual excellence and the kind that is sharpening minds, deepening critical thoughts and celebrating the rich culture of persuasive dialogue. 
 
Babatimehin, who made this assertion while delivering his speech during a media briefing for this year’s competition, said the debating competition had gone beyond mere competition but rather stands as one of the UI’s finest traditions and a testament to the powers of ideas. 
 
According to him, the debating competition, codenamed ‘Jaw War’, with this year being the 11th edition, will not only uphold its known legacy but also elevate it while expanding the frontiers of public speaking and intellectual camaraderie within and beyond the institution. 
 
He, however, said that this year’s ‘Jaw War’ theme – “Africa in the 21st Century and Beyond: Rethinking Power, Progress and Possibility,” is dedicated to exploring, analysing and critically examining the experiences and state of Nigeria and Africa as a whole amid global transformations that have shaped societies, politics and cultures.

“It will be a reflection of the current state of the continent through debating across various sectors and preferring solid solutions to keep Nigeria and Africa globally relevant,” he added.

Babatimehin noted that through ‘Jaw War’ and other activities, the literary and debating society had encouraged public speaking, literary appreciation and engagement within and beyond the walls of the institution and had also groomed a lot of young people to believe in the power of communication, free speech, critical thinking and public debates in the advancement of any nation and the human race as a whole. 
 
He said: “Jaw War 2025 is dedicated to celebrating the rich history and culture of public speaking, which has shaped a lot of persons into the world changers they are today and contributed immensely in solidifying the UI as a foremost citadel of learning in Africa.

“The event will feature 34 debates encompassing various sectors and industries. Each debatewill delve into crucial topics, striving to offer solutions, propose policies, and instigatephilosophies that shape perspectives and contribute to the restoration of Nigeria’s globalrelevance and Africa’s dominance as a whole. 
 
“We are also thrilled to announce the inauguration of the Engineer Kayode Olomo BestSpeaker Awards, a new feature of this year’s tournament dedicated to celebrating individualbrilliance. This award will be presented to the best speaker in each round of the competition.”