A 500-level law student at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Amra Onize Salihu, has emerged winner of the 9th Inter-Universities Speech Contest held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The regional competition, organised by the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), took place on July 22, 2026, bringing together outstanding university students from across the West African sub-region.
According to reports, contestants delivered speeches on key regional issues, including money laundering, terrorism financing, and other economic crimes. Salihu secured Nigeria’s slot after winning the national selection organised by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). She outperformed finalists from Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone to clinch the top prize.
For her outstanding performance, she received a winner’s plaque, a certificate of honour, and a $1,000 cash prize.
Notably, Salihu was coached by Dr Nasiru Mukhtar, Director of the UniAbuja Law Clinic, alongside Mr J. R. Gogol of the NFIU. Meanwhile, Another final-year UniAbuja law student, Abah Goodness Ojonoma, attended the competition as an official observer.
Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, however, commended the Faculty of Law and the University’s Law Clinic for consistently enhancing the institution’s reputation through excellence in regional and international academic competitions.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
