The Kwara State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), on Saturday, February 7, 2026 held its much-anticipated Oratory Contest at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (FEDPOFFA), Kwara State.
Student leaders, academics and traditional authorities call on students to make meaningful use of educational opportunities and lend their voices to national discourse.
The contest, which took place at Olatinwo Hall, FEDPOFFA Mini Campus, Offa, was organised by the Vice Chairman (Administration) of NANS JCC, Kwara Axis, Comrade Lawal Muhammad Kabir Odunayo.
He said it was part of efforts to promote intellectual engagement, leadership development and freedom of expression among students in the state.
The programme commenced with opening prayers led by Ms. Abdulganiy Maryam, a 200-level student of the Kwara State College of Health Technology (KWACOTECH), and Comrade Lawal Faruq Olalekan, an OND I student of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.
Onipee of Ipee Land, His Royal Highness, Oba Muftau Adebayo Lawal Titiloye III, who was ably represented by Chief Ojoko of Ipee, Engr. Salako Amos charged students to appreciate the rare privilege of tertiary education and to make the most of it.
He reminded participants that being admitted into a higher institution was only the first step, stressing that character, discipline and commitment were essential to graduating successfully and contributing meaningfully to society.
“Allow the institution to pass through you as you pass through it,” he advised.
He also prayed for successful completion of the students’ academic journeys and warning against the misuse of educational opportunities.
Similarly, the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Hon. Sulaiman Olatunji Laaro Omituntun, represented by the Head of Department, Education, Hajia Omolola Hamzat, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the invitation and for sustaining programmes that promote intellectual development among students.
According to her, the council chairman conveyed his goodwill to the participants, wishing them success in their academic pursuits and urging them not to squander the opportunities afforded them through education.
He assured the students of his prayers and support, expressing confidence that those who begin their educational journeys would complete them successfully.
In his welcome address, the host and organiser, Comrade Lawal Muhammad Kabir Odunayo, described oratory as a powerful tool for change, unity and advocacy.
Speaking as a fellow student, he urged participants to see the contest beyond competition, but as a platform to project ideas, courage and vision.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he noted that words possess the power to challenge the status quo, inspire action and shape the future.
He encouraged contestants to speak boldly, embrace their uniqueness and use their voices to reflect the hopes and aspirations of Nigerian students.
“This contest is a celebration of ideas, identity and expression,” he said.
He subsequently called on students to learn from one another and uphold the spirit of comradeship and excellence.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Onipee of Ipee Land, represented by Chief Engineer Salako Amos; the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Hon. Sulaiman Olatunji Laaro Omituntun, represented by the Head of Department, Education, Hajia Omolola Hamzat; Prince Hammed Ademola Lawal, Baba Oba of Ipee; Chairman of the Kwara State Reformation Movement of Nigeria (RMN) and former President of the Offa Students Union (OSU) National Headquarters (2016/2017), Comrade Lawal Nurudeen Akere; as well as lecturers of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr. Hussain Adedayo Salaudeen of the Accountancy Department and Dr. Muhammed Awwal Jatto of the Human Resource Management Department.
Other student leaders who delivered remarks included the General Secretary of NANS, Kwara State Axis, Comrade Adebayo Abdulkadir Alasa, popularly known as Alasmovic, who emphasised the importance of constructive student engagement in governance and policy advocacy.
A major highlight of the event was the debate session on the topic “Why Students’ Voices Matter in Educational Policies and Reforms.” The debate featured Mr. Endurance Henry of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and Ms. Abdulganiy Maryam of KWACOTECH, and was adjudicated by Dr. Hussain Adedayo Salaudeen and Dr. Muhammed Awwal Jatto.
At the end of the keenly contested session, Mr. Endurance Henry emerged as the winner of the Kwara NANS Oratory Contest, following the announcement by Dr. Jatto.
The event also witnessed the arrival of prominent student leaders, including the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of FEDPOFFA, Comrade Abdulazeez Majeed Olanrewaju (Achiever), and the President of the Offa Students Union National Headquarters, Comrade Abbas Toheeb Olasunkanmi, popularly known as Eizi Boy.
The organisers described the contest as a success, reaffirming NANS’ commitment to nurturing articulate, informed and socially conscious student leaders across Kwara State.
