From Nerves to Eloquence: LAAS Speech Squad Unveils the Power of Voices with Linguists’ Podium 1.0.

If you weren’t at LINGUISTS’ PODIUM 1.0, then you missed an event that lit up the Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies, UNILAG!

LINGUISTS’ PODIUM was organised by the LAAS Speech Squad, the speech squad of the department of Linguistics, African, and Asian Studies, UNILAG. And this event was not just a programme; it was a movement. A place where students didn’t just sit and watch, but took the stage to express themselves, engage their audience, excel in their craft, learn from seasoned voices, and ultimately grow as communicators.

The programme featured debate, poetry, spoken words, spelling bee, and public speaking; it was an electrifying blend of intellect, art, and performance.

Let’s break the silence: The Podium Opens.

The event brought together four thrilling categories: Debate, Public Speaking, Poetry & Spoken Word, and the ever-challenging Spelling Bee.

1. Debate Category (Lead: Adeleke Adetayo Sherif)

Effervescent Participants included:

• Salau Moyosore Favour
• Adereti Eniola Christianah
• Obaseki Irianuoluwa Caleb
• Abbas Maizat Aduke
• Afinni Moyosore Faith
• Showunmi Daniel Opeyemi

Poetry & Spoken Word (Lead: Adeniran Peter Adedayo).

2. Wordsmiths that graced the stage:

• Adekunle Olasubomi Abdul-lateef
• Bada Moses Kolade
• Adejumoke Zainab
• Olosunde Precious Esther

3. Spelling Bee (Lead: Akinteye Tijesunimi Damilare)

Alphabet warriors:

• Olajolo Kehinde Kemisola.
• Dosumu Ewaoluwa.
• Adedokun Faith Olajesu.

Public Speaking (Lead: Itamakinde Toluwase Emmanuel).

Voices that took on the mic:

• Precious Ifeoluwa (Butterfly)
• Olajolo Kehinde Kemisola
• Salako Oluwawemimo
• Soji Christiana Anuoluwapo
• Abraham Covenant Oluwatunmininu

From Lecturers to Legends: Wisdom That Stuck.

Dr. Adéyoyinsọ́lá Ẹlẹ́shin, a respected lecturer in LAAS and one of the event’s special guests, dropped golden nuggets on eloquence. She didn’t mince words:

“Use your first words rightly. Let them catch attention. Don’t speak when your thoughts aren’t ready.”  She reminded the students that clarity is a superpower. “When you’re clear to yourself, you’ll be clear to others.” And just when the students were soaking that in, she dropped this mic moment: “Leave the stage when the stage is high.”

Dr. Agnes Legbeti took the conversation further with a relatable, heartfelt talk on Public Speaking. She began by acknowledging the fear we all have: “The biggest fear of every person is public speaking. Even those who seem bold often battle phobia.”

She shared practical tips like asking ahead about your audience, preparing thoroughly (“Preparation is never too much”), and being mindful of your appearance and body language. And yes, she gave the students her famous C’s of Communication:

• Be Concise.
• Be Complete.
• Be Coherent.
• Be Clear.
• Be Conscious, etc.

Real Talk From Coaches & Mentors.

Yolanda, an event host and public speaker, gave the students their flowers, and then, lovingly, their corrections. Her feedback was raw, real, and packed with gems. She applauded their bravery while pointing out areas like timing, posture, and connection with the audience.

Praise Paul, a filmmaker and public speaking coach, focused on the Public Speaking participants. He stressed the power of body language, the need to speak offhand, and most importantly, learning how to move the audience—not just speak to them.

Evidence, a writer and coach, anchored the Spelling Bee with precision and poise. She taught the students a game-changing lesson: “Words are better spelt in syllables than in letters.”

Tobi Komolafe, a fiery debater, gave it straight: ” understand your topic before taking the mic.” His message? Preparation is your edge.

Awwal Olanrewaju, poet and writer, poured his soul into both feedback and poetry. He reminded the spoken word artists of the power of words, urging them to feel what they speak and speak what they feel.

A Host Who Held It All.

Dorcas Alabi (Tabitha) didn’t just host the event; she controlled it. With grace, charisma, and command, she made sure every moment mattered.

Special Faces, Full House.

The attendees?  Over 70 effervescent attendees, including student leaders from all over UNILAG graced LINGUISTS’ PODIUM 1.0.

• Deputy Director, UNILAG Communications Unit – Mr. Bayo Salau. 
• Akindele Emmanuel (President, FESSA)
• Abdulrasheed Abolade (President, SOSSA)
• Dapo Victor (President, NASELS)
• Timothy Ayorinde (President, Law Students’ Society)
• Tunde Akintunde (President, SHSN)
• Ibukunoluwa Adekanye (President, FASA)
• And reps from NASSORS, FASA, SHSN, UNILAG SUN, and more.

The Man Behind the Mic.

None of this would have happened without the lead organizer, Adeleke Adetayo Sherif, who wore many hats and wore them well. He closed the event with heartfelt appreciation for the participants, guests, volunteers, and supporters. “Linguists’ Podium 2.0 will be bigger; LAAS SPEECH SQUAD will ‘cook’ better,” he promised, with hopes of adding cash prizes alongside the certificates. “Thank you all for showing up and making this a memorable one,” he added. Campusflash reported that although there was neither losers nor winners for the participation in the LINGUISTS’ PODIUM 1.0, every participant was given certificates of participation; volunteers were as well given certificates for volunteering for the event. 

Gratitude In Full.

Special thanks to supporters and partners who helped bring the vision to life:

• Gryn Index Initiative.
• Campusflash Consults.
• BeyondTheBooksWithJonneylaw
• T9 Concepts
• NALLS UNILAG
• NALLS SYNERGY 2024/2025.
• LAAS SPEECH SQUAD.

One Podium, Many Stories.

At its core, Linguists’ Podium 1.0 was more than an event; it was a canvas of courage, creativity, and communication. A reminder that our voices matter. Our stories count. And when we dare to speak, something powerful happens. To everyone who showed up, spoke up, and stood out, this is just the beginning.

Stay ready, Linguists. The mic will be hot again soon for Linguists Podium 2.0. Will you be on the next podium?