The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, has praised The Literary and Debating Society (TLS) as a vital platform for oratory, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement.
Adebowale made the remarks during the grand finale of the 2025 edition of Jaw War, organized by TLS at the institution in Ibadan. Commending the organizers, he highlighted the competition’s role in shaping students into confident, intellectually grounded individuals.
“The Literary and Debating Society is the only society every student in this university belongs to; it is mandatory. The level of activity may differ, but it remains a platform for oratory, critical thinking, and intellectual discourse. Our training here is holistic: it builds confidence and sharpens the mind,” he said.
Speaking in a similar vein, the event’s father of the day, Engr. Femi Babalola, encouraged students to take Jaw War seriously as preparation for leadership. “This platform prepares youths for the future. It teaches them to engage with ideas and articulate their thoughts. I urge every student involved to remain focused and learn as much as they can,” he stated.
Also addressing the audience, TLS President Babatimeyin Peace described Jaw War 2025 as a milestone edition that showcased the University of Ibadan’s intellectual talent.
“Today marks the grand finale of an event we began on September 16. We’ve had weeks of intense competition — Inter-Faculty, Inter-Hall, Rookies, and Nationals. The essence of Jaw War is engagement. We teach tolerance, discuss socio-economic policies, analyse social issues, and most importantly, seek solutions.
“This is our 11th edition. We’ve grown from the small Trenchard Hall to the ICC and expanded our recognition nationally and globally,” she added.
