(Photos) UI Student,Emerges Winner At 8th Edition Of Super Bowl Debate Competition

Adeleke Maria 

Chineke Ugochukwu, a student of the University of Ibadan, emerged victorious at the Eighth Edition of the Super Bowl Debate Competition, held at the Alumni Hall, University of Ibadan.

The event, themed “This is Nigeria,” featured representatives from 13 institutions across Oyo State, showcasing their oratory and critical thinking skills.

Participating institutions included Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Federal School of Survey Oyo, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Igboora, and Dominican University, among others.

The competition unfolded in three stages: a thematic speech on “This is Nigeria,” an impromptu pix-prompt session, and a final round addressing the topic “Heroes of Today.”

Chineke Ugochukwu clinched first place with a score of 68.1%, followed by Jacintha Nwachukwu from Dominican University with 66.9% and Kolade Daniella from Abiola Ajimobi Technical University with 63.2%.

In his welcome address, Hon. Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Students’ Affairs, emphasized the importance of empowering young leaders.

“Super Bowl is about creating an environment where ideas are exchanged, confidence is built, and future leaders are nurtured,” he said.

Dr. Bisi Olawuyi, the competition’s convener and Head of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, shared the event’s mission: “This platform isn’t just about highlighting Nigeria’s problems but finding solutions through the perspectives of young people.”

He added “My motivation, is trying to build leadership skills,oratorical skills, amongst others.

I also believe that it is high time we began to engage young people en sundry national issues.

Many of these young people has so many ideas that can transform nigeria and all we need to do is to give them the opportunity by giving them the platform to speak.”

Keynote speaker and investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, a former Super Bowl contestant, addressed systemic corruption in Nigeria, urging a return to values like hard work and dignity of labor. “The solution to every Nigerian problem lies in the agency created to solve it,” Soyombo asserted.

The winners were rewarded with cash prizes and trophies, with Ugochukwu receiving ₦200,000, Nwachukwu ₦150,000, and Daniella ₦100,000. The competition, which resumed after a four-year hiatus, received renewed support from the Oyo State government, with plans for further collaboration in the future.

The Super Bowl Debate Competition continues to serve as a platform for fostering leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving skills among Nigerian youths.