In a landmark move aimed at enriching student development and fostering articulate expression, Thomas Adewumi University on Friday, May 3, 2025, officially launched the Word Weavers Club, a public speaking and communication initiative established by the Department of Languages, to promote eloquence, critical thinking, and leadership among students through structured speaking activities.
The Word Weavers Club, described as a “community of emerging writers, speakers, and thinkers,” was unveiled as a student-led initiative rooted in the values of articulate expression, reflective speech, and intellectual leadership. In his welcome address, the Advisor for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the club visionary, Mr. A.O. Adelokun, described the club as more than a public speaking platform. “It is a sanctuary for thoughtful speech and reflective silence,” he said. “In an age where speech is often reduced to noise, Word Weavers affirms the standard of clarity, intentionality, and civility in discourse. It is a space where students are not just called to speak, but trained to think, to persuade, and to lead.”
The launch event, gracefully anchored by the students of English and Literary Studies Department, namely Ashaolu Ajemide Victoria and Bello Joseph, featured opening remarks by Miss Victory Asonibare, who outlined the club’s mission and strategic initiatives, including speech competitions, impromptu speaking sessions, public speaking masterclasses, and inter-university collaborations. These programs, she added, are structured to “not only improve the quality of TAU graduates but also position them as agents of change in society.”
As part of the official inauguration, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Dr. Abiodun Owolabi, introduced and formally installed the club's pioneer executive council:
• President – Majesty Adeusi
• Vice President (Education) – Aransiola Mercy
• Vice President (Membership) – Adeyemo Sharon
• General Secretary – Ashaolu Ajemide
• Financial Secretary/Treasurer – Adigun Adesewa
• Logistics and Chief Whip – Oluwafemi Oluwatobi
• PRO 1 – Idowu Oluwasemilore
• PRO 2 – Akuaka Amanda
The major highlight of the ceremony was the Investiture of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Oladipo, as the Founding Patroness of the club, formally conferred by the University Registrar, Mr. Kolawole Fisoye.
In her goodwill message, Professor Oladipo commended the initiative, calling it “a historic and visionary stride” and urged other departments to follow suit in promoting student-led development.
“This is a history-making moment, the first of its kind in our university,” she said. “Word Weavers will not only elevate the voices of our students but also refine their character. As a further show of support, members of the club will co-host major university events alongside the Registrar to showcase the talent we are nurturing.”
The ceremony concluded with members taking the Word Weavers Pledge, led by VP (Membership), Adeyemo Sharon, affirming their dedication to the ideals of the club. This was followed by the club’s inaugural meeting titled “Icebreaker and Pathway Introductory Meeting”, which featured powerful debut speeches by Okonkwo Chiamakah Perpetual, Aransiola Mercy, and Oyeyemi Oluwatunmise Oluwatosin, as well as an impromptu speaking session anchored by Akuaka Amanda (PRO 2).
This defining moment in TAU’s intellectual journey signals a new chapter for student engagement, positioning the Word Weavers Club as a cornerstone for leadership, expression, and excellence in communication.
