Redeemer’s University Wins as NASELS Hosts ‘Rebranded 4.0’ Literary Event in Osun

The National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS), UIOSUN Chapter, in collaboration with the NASELS Literary Community, hosted the fourth edition of its annual “NASELS Rebranded” event on April 30, 2026, at the Ikire Campus of Osun State University.

Themed “Unbound Voices: When the Words Become the World,” the event brought together students and faculty members from multiple institutions for a day of literary and intellectual engagement, featuring a panel session, inter-university debate, spelling bee, and spoken word performances.

The programme opened with welcome remarks from the association’s President, Comrade Alabi Akorede, and Vice President, Ajani Oluwaferanmi. This was followed by an address from the Head of Department of English and Literary Studies, Professor Akindele, who urged students to adhere to institutional guidelines and channel grievances through appropriate university structures.

Panel Interrogates Culture and Change

A major highlight of the event was a panel session themed Culture: Inheritance or Interrogation? The discussion featured student panelists Rotimi Oluwapelumi and Ojebola Adedoyin, alongside two lecturers, Professor Rotimi Fasan and Dr Nurudeen Lawal.

Speaking during the session, Professor Fasan described culture as constantly creative, arguing that it should be viewed as a dynamic and evolving force rather than a fixed tradition. Student contributors raised concerns about the misuse of culture, questioning its role in reinforcing discrimination and oppression.

The panel concluded that while culture remains an essential part of identity, it must be continuously examined and redefined to reflect evolving societal values.

Debate Explores Drivers of Gender-Based Violence

The inter-institutional debate segment featured participants from Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Osun State University.

Debaters addressed the motion; Is gender-based violence still prevalent in Nigeria partly because women fail to report incidents and remain in abusive relationships, or is it entirely due to patriarchy and a weak justice system?

The team from Obafemi Awolowo University and Redeemer’s University supported the motion, while Osun State University opposed it.

During the debate, arguments centred on the role of underreporting versus systemic failures. A speaker from Osun State University challenged the framing of the motion, describing it as biased against victims, while a speaker from Obafemi Awolowo University emphasised that underreporting remains a major barrier to justice.

At the end of the contest, Redeemer’s University secured the highest score with 76 points, followed by Osun State University with 72 points, and Obafemi Awolowo University with 64 points.

OAU Excels in Spelling Bee and Spoken Word

In the spelling bee competition, Obafemi Awolowo University emerged winner with 7 points, ahead of Osun State University with 5 points and Redeemer’s University with 4 points.

The spoken word segment also saw Obafemi Awolowo University take first place, with Redeemer’s University and Osun State University finishing second and third respectively.

Redeemer’s University Emerges Overall Winner

Despite Obafemi Awolowo University’s strong performance in select categories, Redeemer’s University clinched the overall victory after aggregate scores across all segments were calculated. Osun State University placed second, while Obafemi Awolowo University finished third.

Participants ad attendees described the event as a valuable platform for intellectual exchange and creative expression.

“It was a commendable event,” one student said, noting the quality of discussions and the opportunity for cross-campus engagement.

The NASELS Rebranded event continues to position itself as a key platform for literary discourse, critical thinking, and inter-university collaboration among students of English and Literary Studies in Nigeria.