By Mustafa Abubakar and Joshua Ishaya
The University of Ilorin Debate Team has emerged the overall Champion at the Crawford University Debate Invitational (CRUDI) 2025 contest.
The competition, held at Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, from July 27 to 31, 2025, was highly competitive, as it brought together some of the finest debating talents across Nigerian universities.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin last Tuesday (August 19, 2025), the Chairman of the University of Ilorin Quiz, Debate, and Innovation Committee, Prof. Oluyinka A. Iyiola of the Department of Zoology, described the feat by the UNILORIN team as a reaffirmation of the intellectual strength of the University and its position as a leading debating institution in Nigeria.
According to him, the UNILORIN team distinguished itself by clinching first place in three categories, Open Debate Stream, Novice Debate Stream, and Public Speaking, winning a total of three championship trophies.
In the Open Stream, the University of Ilorin B Team, comprising Abdullahi Hassana Maimako and Oluwole Victor, emerged champions. Abdullahi Hassana Maimako was crowned Best Speaker, while Popoola Muideen took Second Best Speaker, Tivlumun Alexander came Third, Oluwole Victor placed Fourth, Agbese Jemima Ori was Fifth, Adediran Timothy came Sixth, Oyewumi Emmanuel Oluwatobi placed Eighth, Adio Boluwatife was Ninth, and Ajayi Bolanle Christiana secured Tenth. In the judging category, Mohammed Habeeb (Alumni/Coach) was named Best Judge, Muhammadbaqir Akorede Oloruntoyin (Alumni/Coach) took Second Best Judge, Akinjayeju Mitchell Temitope was awarded Best Institutional Judge, and Alex Olafisoye placed Fifth Best Judge.
In the Novice Stream, University of Ilorin C team, comprising Adio Boluwatife and Haleem Adeyemi, emerged Novice Champions. Popoola Muideen won Best Novice Speaker, followed by Agbese Jemima Ori Second; Adediran Timothy, Third; Oyewumi Emmanuel Oluwatobi, Fifth, Adio Boluwatife, Sixth; Haleem Adeyemi, Seventh; and Sanni Hadiza Oyiza, Eighth. In the judging cadre, Opeyemi Salman Sulaiman emerged as Second Best New Judge, while AbdulWahab Muhammad Awwal was named Third Best New Judge.
In the Public Speaking Stream, Eyitomilayo Ngozi Fajimi was crowned Public Speaking Champion; Adebara Oluwatobi (Alumni) emerged Best Public Speaker, Ganiyat Olowookere took Second, Oyewumi Oluwasheun Elizabeth came Third, Sanni Hadiza Oyiza placed Fifth, Salman Opeyemi Sulaiman was Sixth, Eyitomilayo Ngozi Fajimi also secured Seventh, and Oyewumi Emmanuel Oluwatobi placed Eighth. Among the judges, Mohammed Habeeb (Alumni/Coach) was awarded Second Best Public Speaking Judge, Muhammadbaqir Akorede Oloruntoyin (Alumni/Coach) came Third, and Popoola Muideen earned Fifth Best Public Speaking Judge.
Prof. Iyiola commended the University management and the alumni for their continuous support, stressing that the achievement coincides with the 10th anniversary of the University Debate Community.
He added that the team is now focused on defending its title at the All-Nigerian Universities Debating Championship (ANUDC) scheduled for August 2025, and later competing at the Pan African Universities Debating Championships (PAUDC) in December at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, while the UNILORIN is preparing to host the 12th edition of the competition from 24th-30th August, 2025.
Prof. Iyiola said, “This success is a testament to the strong competitive culture and talent within the University debate team, which has now reached its 10th year of existence, as well as the support of its alumni as well as the school management.
‘‘This victory marks a major milestone as the team pushes to defend its title at the All-Nigeria Debating Championships, as well as return to the continental stage at the Pan African Universities Debating Championships, at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in December 2025.”
In his remarks, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, said that the achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the University Management and the entire Unilorin Quiz, Debate, and Innovation Committee led by Prof. Iyiola as well as the broader University of Ilorin community.
The immediate past Sub-Dean of Communication and Information Sciences, Dr Joshua Bajeh, while commenting, gave kudos to Prof. Iyiola and his UNILORIN Quiz, Debate and Innovation Committee for doing the University proud across both national and international tournaments.
