Obafemi Awolowo Hall President, Goodluck Akinlawon Wins Amnesty International Intervarsity Debate

Rianat Ademola

Goodluck Akinlawon, a 400-level Law student at the University of Ibadan and President of Obafemi Awolowo Hall, has emerged winner of the 2025 Amnesty International Intervarsity Debate held on May 22, 2025, in Abuja.

The competition featured students from 16 universities across Nigeria, who engaged in discussions on current human rights issues. Akinlawon represented the University of Ibadan and was announced as the overall winner.

The debate was organised by Amnesty International Nigeria to promote human rights awareness and encourage active participation among students.

Speaking to Awo Press, Akinlawon shared her thought on the experience. “First, it was an opportunity I didn’t take for granted, having to represent UI on my first external outing. The experience was really nice for me. We had the opening round and quarter-final online, and even from those rounds, I had to research more on the topic. All in all, I’m grateful to God.”

She also encouraged students to remain open to new experiences.“To everyone, grab opportunities when they come. I think that is something everyone has to learn—you have to be open to them. I was skeptical about the whole competition at first, especially since it was going to be online. Stepping away from the conventional style was a little terrifying, but I decided to push forward, and I am glad it worked.”

She concluded, “If everyone can take opportunities and work on themselves, great things can happen.”

Her victory marks a proud moment for the University of Ibadan and the Obafemi Awolowo Hall community.