FRESHER'S FAIR DAY 2: DEBATE, PRELIMINARY TO THE FINALS

The National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS), Obafemi Awolowo University, continued its earlier announced Freshers’ Fair on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with a debate session held at the English Postgraduate Room in the departmental building.

The debate, initially scheduled for 11 a.m., was postponed to 4 p.m. and eventually commenced over 15 minutes after the new time, beginning with an opening prayer led by the Vice President of the department, Mamadelo Christianah Adeola.

According to the President of the department, Francis Fortunatus Ohacho, the Freshers’ Fair, including the debate session, was organized not only to welcome the new students but to integrate them into the academic and social system of the department. In his brief address, he acknowledged the panel of judges: Bethel Oreoluwa, an esteemed member of the OAU Debate Club; Olalere Zacheus, a postgraduate student and alumnus of the department; Fashina Taiwo, also an alumnus; Ojo-Fakuade Tomi, Vice President of the NASELS Debate Club; and Olaoluwa Rhoda, a member of the Debate Club who served as the timekeeper.

He also appreciated everyone present, especially the freshers, for showing up and participating actively in the programme.

The moderator, Mercy Ojegbola, after recognizing the NASELS executive members and other notable attendees, including the Editor-in-Chief of the NASELS Communication Bureau, Olaoye Peace, and a correspondent of the Bureau, Idris Eniola, handed the floor to one of the judges, Olalere Zacheus, who announced the modalities of the competition before the debaters took the stage.

A total of 16 participants competed in the preliminary round. Group A supported the motion: “Is the Amalgamation of Nigeria the Root of All Tribal Conflicts?” while Group B opposed it. At the end of the session, four debaters advanced to the next round: Adedeji Abisola (60 points) and Akande Simi (57 points) from Group A, and Hannah Oluwadarasimi (64 points) and Adewale Florence (59 points) from Group B.

For the second round, the qualifiers debated the topic “Is NELFUND a Trap or a Blessing?” with Group A arguing that NELFUND is a blessing and Group B maintaining that it is a trap. Unlike the first round, which allowed four minutes per speaker, the second round allotted two minutes and thirty seconds to each debater.

After a series of intense and intellectually stimulating arguments, the session ended on a suspenseful note as the winners of the second round were withheld. They are expected to be announced during the Colloquium, the third day of the Freshers’ Fair, scheduled to hold at Auditorium 2, where the semifinalists will also go head-to-head and the overall winner will finally be revealed.

Comments

"I WOULD HATE TO MAKE PROMISES BECAUSE THEN I WOULD BE CHALLENGED TO PERFORM ABOVE THEM." - FRANCIS OHACHO, PRESIDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, OAU.

By Mercy Ojegbola NCB: Can we meet you? Francis: I am Francis Fortunatus Ohacho, popularly known as Sael. A part four student in the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, I am the incumbent president of the department's students body. NCB: What motivated you to run for the position of President? Francis: I would like to use cliché pumped up phrases like I'm led by my passion for service and all. People often say they knew I was going for presidency from part one due to my proactiveness, but really I didn't have the Presidency in mind till late second semester of part two. And that's because I have only wanted to support from the sides, being a significant catalyst for development wherever I am. So I've had roles like Vice President and Fin Sec in mind, but not president. I didn't think I had it. My motivation, in summary, would be the realisation of how efficient I can be to an administration. And I don't doubt it, that with the help of the t...

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH HOLDS COLLOQUIUM FOR ITS FRESH STUDENTS

Still in the spirit of felicitation, as the matriculation ceremony took place on the 11th of January 2024, the Department of English held a colloquium for its fresh students on the 12th of January 2024 at AUD II. The anchor, Dr Olusegun Joseph commenced officially by 10:38 am. He recognised the presence of notable members of staff and ushered a number of them to the high table including Prof E.T.O Babalola, the current HOD of the Department of English Prof Akande, Prof Rotimi Taiwo, Dr Faleye, Dr Bamigbade, Dr Adejumo, Dr (Mrs) Hunsu, Dr Ogundipe, Dr Ademilokun, Acting Chief Security Officer of the university, Mr Adegboyega and some other members of staff of the department. The HOD addressed the new students, offering his congratulations and acknowledging the hard work and dedication it took to get to this point. He also provided some introductory information about the department and the importance of being in the department. Also, the HOD spoke about the role of staff advisers, emphas...

"WE'RE TAKING PROACTIVE STEPS TO RESTORE OUR LECTURE SPACES TO STANDADRD." - BEWAJI AMOS, PRESIDENT OF FACULTY OF ARTS, OAU.

By Mercy Ojegbola Amos Olatunde Bewaji (Kizer), a 400-level Philosophy student and President of the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, in an interview with NCB’s Mercy Ojegbola, shares the top priorities, vision, and goals of his team for the tenure. NCB: Your team tag, "Lumora," is quite intriguing. What does it mean, and how does it capture the goals and vision of the administration ?? Amos: The name Lumora is actually coined from the idea of light, and it symbolizes a futuristic and purposeful era, one that aligns perfectly with the vision of the Aurora Agenda. The concept of light represents clarity, direction, and renewal, which are the guiding principles of this administration. We see ourselves as bearers of light, bringing illumination to grey areas within the faculty and driving a sense of progress and unity among students. So, Team Lumora is not just a name. It is a reflection of our commitment to lead with vision, purpose, and positive transformation. NC...

Nasels Communication Bureau (NCB)

Search This Blog