History was made on February 18, 2024, as the Poets in Nigeria (PIN) UNILAG Connect Centre successfully hosted its maiden edition of the Campus Poetry Slam, tagged PIN UNILAG Campus Slam 1.0, at the University of Lagos.
The groundbreaking literary event, held within the vibrant Akoka campus, drew an impressive turnout of students, poetry enthusiasts, and lovers of spoken word artistry. The initiative, spearheaded by the centre’s coordinator, Oloyede Olaoluwa Michael, marked a significant milestone in promoting creative expression and performance poetry among undergraduates.
The slam featured a dynamic lineup of young and emerging poets who thrilled the audience with thought-provoking performances centered on themes such as identity, social justice, love, culture, mental health, and the Nigerian experience.
Each participant mounted the stage with confidence, delivering original pieces that resonated deeply with the audience and earned thunderous applause.
Adding credibility and excitement to the competition was a distinguished panel of judges comprising Adesewa Alagbala, Alani Gbemileke Ann, and Olubade Oludasa, a renowned slam champion whose presence further elevated the prestige of the event. The judges meticulously assessed contestants based on content, originality, stage presence, delivery, and emotional impact.
In his remarks, Oloyede Olaoluwa Michael expressed profound gratitude to participants, judges, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the maiden edition. He noted that the event was conceived to create a safe and empowering platform for students to amplify their voices and showcase their literary talents.
“This is just the beginning. PIN UNILAG Campus Slam is here to stay. We believe poetry is not just art; it is a tool for advocacy, healing, and transformation”. He stated.
The atmosphere throughout the event was electric, as attendees cheered, snapped their fingers in appreciation, and engaged actively with performers. Beyond competition, the slam fostered networking opportunities, mentorship connections, and renewed interest in literary activities on campus.
The success of PIN UNILAG Campus Slam 1.0 signals a promising future for spoken word poetry within the university community and beyond. With the bar set high by its maiden edition, expectations are already building for subsequent editions that promise to be even more impactful.
Indeed, February 18, 2024, will remain a memorable date in the literary history of UNILAG, a day when poetry found a louder voice and young creatives claimed their stage.
