UniAbuja Law Student Wins West African Speech Contest in Sierra Leone

A 500-level law student of the University of Abuja, Amra Salihu, has won the 9th Inter-Universities Speech Contest organised by the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). The competition was held on July 22 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where Salihu represented Nigeria after emerging as the national winner in a selection exercise organised by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). According to the University of Abuja, Salihu outperformed contestants from The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Ghana to secure the regional title. In recognition of her achievement, she received a winner’s plaque, a certificate of honour, and a cash prize of 1,000 US dollars. Another 500-level law student of the university, Abah Goodness, also attended the event as an observer. The university said the team was coached by the Director of its Law Clinic, Dr. Nasiru Mukhtar, alongside Mr. J. R. Gogol of the NFIU, who provided technical support during the preparation for the competition. Reacting to the victory, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, congratulated Salihu and praised the Faculty of Law for its commitment to mentoring and preparing students for academic excellence. He said the achievement reflects the university’s dedication to producing students who can compete successfully on the international stage and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening its global reputation through outstanding academic performance. Salihu’s victory adds to the University of Abuja’s growing record of achievements in regional academic competitions and highlights the importance of advocacy and public speaking in promoting awareness on issues related to financial crime and anti-money laundering across West Africa.