Of Words, Wits, and Unseen Blows: COLVET’s Tumultuous Quest for Glory at the FUNAABSU Literary Week

Maya Angelou once wrote, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." At the Grand Finale of the FUNAABSU Literary Week, the agony was not of untold stories but of unspoken grievances. The event, a celebration of oratory finesse, intellectual prowess, and literary artistry, became a stage where dreams soared and tumbled—where triumph and controversy walked hand in hand. For the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET), it was a journey of hard-fought victories, painful setbacks, and a harsh reminder that not every challenge is won by skill alone.

The Spelling Bee began as a showcase of talent and preparation. Topaz and Mitchell, COLVET’s representatives, took the stage brimming with confidence. The first round was a breeze, with words flowing effortlessly as if rehearsed a thousand times. However, the contest took a sudden, bewildering turn. In an unexpected move—supposedly to hasten the pace—judges ditched the agreed-upon word bank and unleashed a barrage of obscure, out-of-context words that blindsided participants. It was a twist worthy of a plotline, where consistency was sacrificed on the altar of expedience. Contestants stumbled, the arena crackled with tension, and a contest of knowledge became a game of survival.

Despite the curveball, champions rise above setbacks. Topaz, undeterred, chose number 23—a nod to the iconic greatness of LeBron James—and spelled "zeugma" with the grace of a free throw. Mitchell, composed and unshaken, conquered “knickerbocker,” delivering her response with flawless diction. Yet, the sudden change had already claimed casualties, and a victory tinged with frustration was the prize. Seven COLVET semifinalists stood tall, a testament to their resilience even when the rules bent like shadows.

Then came the Jaw War—where words are not just spoken but wielded as weapons. Ajayi Kolajo took the stage with a commanding presence, weaving arguments with the precision of a master craftsman. His voice was firm, his logic relentless. He dismantled opposition with calculated pauses and incisive retorts, leaving his opponents scrambling for footing. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement—debate was not about volume or flair but the ruthless dance of logic and conviction.
When Abdulrahman stepped forward, determination etched on his face, confidence surged. His arguments were sharp, and his delivery, though slightly cautious, was compelling. Yet, the unforgiving timer loomed, and in the pressure of the moment, a tangle of thoughts stole precious seconds. It was a battle against himself—an internal conflict where ideas collided and clarity blurred. The timer’s call was unyielding, and his momentum faltered. The sting of a performance that fell short was bitter, but the courage to stand, despite doubts, is the mark of a true competitor.

Just as the dust began to settle, whispers of controversy erupted into a full-blown scandal. An advisory speaker openly declared a rival chief speaker as his favorite—an unfiltered endorsement that turned impartiality into a farce. A judge reminisced about her own college’s victories before announcing results, nostalgia dripping from her words. It was favoritism on parade, bias no longer subtle but flaunted. The results were announced, and COLVET—alongside equally deserving opponents—was relegated to fifth and sixth place out of nine. The sting was not just in the loss but in the mockery of a contest that should have celebrated merit.

Ajayi Kolajo sat with his head in his hands—a champion denied, not by failure, but by whispers and winks. The room erupted as COLVET supporters stormed out, outrage crackling in the air. Yet, even in defeat, there was pride—second in the Spelling Bee, second and fourth in Spoken Words, second and third in Scrabble, fifth in Chess. COLVET’s name was etched into the competition’s story, a mark of excellence even amid controversy. Abdulrahman’s stumble would sting, but the experience would sharpen his resolve—a testament that composure is the backbone of greatness.

The odyssey continues, and the scars of this encounter are reminders—lessons etched in resolve. Will COLVET return stronger, unrelenting in their pursuit of excellence, or will the shadows of doubt persist? The answers lie in the next clash, where courage and preparation will meet fate once more. For COLVET, the journey is far from over. True champions are not those who never fall, but those who rise, sharpened by every trial—unyielding, undeniable, and ready to seize victory.

Olaniyonu Temilade
Editor-in-chief