By Adeyinka Adeniran
Athletes of the University of Ibadan at the last West African University Games (WAUG) have been told to apply as much discipline as they attached to sports to their academic work.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, gave the charge on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, while receiving the athletes and officials of the University Sports Council during a courtesy visit.
He said the students needed to focus on personal development which is key to sports and always see themselves as Ambassadors of the University anywhere they go. He advised them to stay away from scandals and drugs.
The DVC congratulated and appreciated the athletes for representing the University well. He said the University was impressed and proud of their achievements at the WAU Games.
He encouraged the athletes to put more efforts in order to do more for the Premier University which is ‘the first and the best.’ He said in sports, athletes as young men and women are expected to be disciplined in terms of what they eat, things they do and the discipline should be extended to their personal lives and academics.
He advised them to balance sports and academics in order to excel in both so as to become alumni that would be winning medals and trophies locally and internationally in the nearest future.
The DVC then referred to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju who as a great athlete during her studentship won medals for the University as well as four Gold medals for Nigeria and is today a renowned Professor of Opthalmology.
He then appreciated the Sports Council for effective leadership, which had helped to lift the banner of the University of Ibadan higher.
He gave the assurance that the University would give needed support to the Sports Council to enable it continue to excel.
The Acting Director of Sports, Mr O. K. Eyiomo explained that the UI contingent actively participated in the last West Africa Universities Games held at the Obafemi Awolowo University in December 2023.
The University of Ibadan won three silver and four bronze medals to place itself in the 13th position out of the 27 Universities that participated.
The Chairman of the Sports Council, Professor Ebenezer Morakinyo said the medals were unavailable at the sports festival but were only sent to the university a few days ago.
The medallists were:
● Ayodeji Victoria Ayomide- Bronze medal
● Babajide Perpetual Taiwo- Silver medal
● Jimoh Deborah Oluwanifemi- Bronze medal
● Adedigba Oluwakorede John – Silver Medalist who also represented Nigeria in the World Universities Games in China last year
● Adekola Tinuade Oluwapelumi- Silver Medalist and who also represented Nigeria in China last year
● Faniyi Sekinat Oluwapamilerin- Silver and Bronze medals in two different games.
The Athletes were decorated with the medals on behalf of the organising committee.
