ABUJA: A 500-level Law student of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Amra Salihu, has emerged as the overall winner of the 9th Inter-Universities Speech Contest organized by the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), defeating contestants from four other West African countries.
The prestigious competition took place on July 22, 2026, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where Salihu represented Nigeria after winning the national selection organised by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations at the University of Abuja, Mr. Habib Yakoob, Salihu outperformed contestants from The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ghana to emerge the regional champion.
In recognition of her outstanding performance, she received a winner’s plaque, a certificate of honour and a cash prize of $1,000.
Another 500-level Law student of the university, Abah Goodness, also attended the event as an observer.
Yakoob disclosed that both students were mentored by the Director of the University Law Clinic, Dr. Nasiru Mukhtar, with technical support from Mr. J. R. Gogol of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit ahead of the competition.
Reacting to the feat, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, congratulated Salihu and commended the Faculty of Law and the University Law Clinic for their commitment to nurturing excellence among students.Our students from the Faculty of Law have once again made the university proud. I congratulate them on this remarkable achievement,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and enhancing its international reputation through quality legal education and outstanding student achievements.
The victory further strengthens the University of Abuja’s growing reputation for producing students who excel in regional and international academic competitions, while highlighting Nigeria’s strong representation in intellectual contests across West Africa.
