The Literary and Debating Society, University of Ibadan (TLDS UI), on Sunday, 8 March 2026, held its official handover ceremony, formally transitioning leadership from the outgoing executive council to a newly inaugurated team that will steer the affairs of the society for the 2026 administrative year.
The ceremony brought together members of the society, past executives, stakeholders, and invited guests in an atmosphere marked by reflection, appreciation, and renewed commitment to the society’s long-standing tradition of intellectual engagement.
A key highlight of the event was the formal transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing administration to the newly elected executive council. The occasion also served as an opportunity to recognise the contributions and achievements of the outgoing leadership while setting the tone for the vision and priorities of the new administration.
Delivering his inaugural remarks, the new President, Goodness Akinloye, described the transition as an important moment in the continuity of the society’s legacy.
“Today represents more than a change in leadership. It represents the continuity of a tradition that has shaped thinkers, speakers, and leaders within the Literary and Debating Society for many years,” he said.
The new President, Goodness Akinloye, expressed appreciation to the society’s Staff Adviser, Professor Demola Lewis, for his longstanding commitment to promoting literary and debating excellence within the University of Ibadan.
He also acknowledged the leadership of the outgoing President, Babatimehin Peace, and members of the previous executive council, noting that their dedication and service contributed significantly to sustaining the society’s vibrancy and growth.
Reflecting on the role of the society’s membership, the new President, Goodness Akinloye, emphasized that the strength of the organisation has always been rooted in the active participation and intellectual engagement of its members.
“Many of us joined out of curiosity, some for debate, others for literature but what we found here was something more: a community that sharpens the mind, challenges ideas, and encourages confidence in expression,” he noted.
Outlining the priorities of the new administration, the new President, Goodness Akinloye, stated that the executive council will focus on strengthening the society’s intellectual culture while expanding opportunities for members to grow in debate, writing, and public speaking.
The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to organising debates, literary activities, competitions, training programmes, and strategic collaborations that will continue to position TLDS UI as one of the leading intellectual societies within the University of Ibadan.
The Literary and Debating Society, University of Ibadan, remains committed to its mission of nurturing articulate thinkers, confident speakers, and creative writers who can contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and societal development.
