Jaw War Frenzy: Unpacking the Magic of UI’s Biggest Debating Event

 By Osuolale Oluwatomilayo (Duchess)

It is that season again, the mix of Jaw War, harmattan and the most beautiful rivalry has begun. Safe to say it is every University of Ibadan student’s dream to witness this at least once in their lifetime. And as expected, we have embraced this season with joy, and enthusiasm and hope to emerge as the winner. The enthusiasm we experience every session cannot be undermined as friends in different Faculties and Halls of Residence often become rivals.

Halls against Halls, Faculties against Faculties, students against students and friends against friends. The energy is unmatched. Even with the waves of heat at The New Faculty Lecture Theater, Faculty of Technology, students still manage to come out in amazing numbers, and you ask why it is the biggest debating event in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yes, we are honoured to be deemed worthy of such a title, after all, if it’s from the University of Ibadan then It is of the utmost quality.

What then do we look forward to every year?

The “innocent” Banter

This event, although has been the reason for rivalry between speakers, friends and halls alike, still manages to be a source of unison at the same time. How then is it possible? Only because sportsmanship is still a thing.

The unwavering display of brotherhood by the Zikites year after year “Azikwe never fails!” and Katangites trying to reach the par. The innocent yet painful banter between and against each other is what we love to see. 

Yet we do not all share the same perspective.

 “Zikites shouting year after year is irritating and it makes us in other hostels feel somehow. I hate their pride” a student said.

The Obvious Display of Intellectualism.

Who doesn’t love educational entertainment? Seeing students at their peak in a show of intelligence just ticks the right boxes, and even encourages new speakers to aspire and keep that undying jaw-war spirit alive. We are, in no doubt, building a fierce generation. 

“Stand up, Speak up, Shut up” Everyone is free to speak in as much as there is sufficient wisdom in it. 

We listen to loops, mistakes, and slip-ups because we are judging.

A Much-Needed Diversion from Endless Stress. 

If we cannot party, if we cannot slouch, we can listen. We are students, not robots and we deserve a break. It is only fair that this event happens when it looks like nothing makes sense, jaw war makes sense. The screams are uplifting and even if the heat chokes us, we welcome it. The stench and sweat would not matter as much as your nose isn’t buried in that book yet again. 

And so, we live for this, we anticipate this. It is our right, our HERITAGE. 

A student said “It is not just an event; it is THE event. Nobody does it better, it is not just the debate we are after but the fun that comes with it. I look forward to it because I know it will be fun, and I would get to interact which I don’t always do” 

This only proves that jaw war is also an event for socialising, a medication for social anxiety. 

So why then are you in your room and not on your feet, screaming at the top of your lungs cheering on your colleagues? Socialise, stand up, speak up or shut up. It is jawar o’clock, don’t snooze.