Chinedu Okafor
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising sports development and engagement as a central component of his mandate, as he presided over the official medal presentation ceremony for athletes who excelled at recent competitions.
Speaking at the event held in honour of the university’s outstanding athletes, Ogunwole commended the team for their resilience and remarkable achievements despite limited exposure to training and inadequate facilities.
He noted that improved investment in sports could significantly enhance their performance and position the institution among the best in university sports.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that with a deliberate increase in support, the athletes possess the capacity to attain even greater heights, adding that their current success reflects untapped potential within the system.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Abayomi Fasina, whose efforts, he noted, laid the foundation for the successes being celebrated. Ogunwole affirmed that his administration would consolidate on existing gains and further strengthen the university’s sporting framework.
According to him, sports development remains a key priority, stressing that his administration would establish a dedicated budget line for sports and explore avenues to significantly improve funding and participation.
Ogunwole further disclosed plans to attract a sports academy to the university through strategic collaboration with relevant organisations, noting that such initiatives would expand opportunities for athletes and enhance institutional visibility.
He emphasised that sports play a vital role in promoting health, unity, and discipline, adding that the university is determined to build a reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor also assured that his administration would deploy available resources, including internally generated revenue, towards sports development, while pursuing the construction of modern indoor sporting facilities to support training and competition readiness.
He added that the management is anticipating a comprehensive five-year strategic plan from the sports committee, which would be carefully reviewed and implemented to guide the growth of sports in the university.
Ogunwole expressed appreciation to the athletes for projecting the image of the university positively and encouraged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.
Earlier, the Chairman of the University Sports Committee, Professor Adeyemi, represented by Mr. Ademola Ojo, commended the Vice-Chancellor and the management for their continued support towards sports development. He described the administration’s commitment as a strong indication of renewed focus on sports advancement.
He noted that the achievements recorded by the athletes were a product of dedication and collective effort, adding that the committee is working towards delivering a five-year strategic policy that will reposition the university as a leading force in Nigerian university sports.
Also speaking, the Head of Sports Unit, Mr. Christopher Obajaja appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for hosting and celebrating the athletes, describing the gesture as a significant morale booster. He stated that the Sports Unit remains committed to nurturing talents and sustaining the university’s competitiveness in inter-university competitions.
Highlight of the ceremony was the special presentation of medal to the vice chancellor courtesy of NUGA as well as to athletes who distinguished themselves at the 2025 NUGA Games and other major competitions.
At the NUGA Games, Taofikat Sulaimon, alongside Oyindamola Oyinloye, Adebowole Adetomi, and Dare Favour, secured gold in the women’s 4×100m relay, while Sulaimon also won silver in both the 100m and 200m events, and Oyinloye clinched bronze in the 400m hurdles.
In other events, Rianat Titilayo Adebayo won gold in boxing (60kg), Ademishowon Adeola earned silver in judo (66kg), while Abdul-Rahman Olajide, Akoro Maume Eniola, and Adeshina Abdulbatin Adedeji claimed bronze medals in taekwondo. The FUOYE Queens football team also emerged champions, winning gold after defeating the University of Lagos in the final.
At the MTN Champs Season 4 Grand Final, FUOYE recorded additional successes with three silver medals, as Rita Odimegwu secured two in the women’s U-20 discus and javelin events, while Awoyeye Opeyemi added another silver in the women’s 1500m race.
The FUOYE Dazzlers Queens also finished third at the Kwara State First Lady Pre-Season Championship, earning a bronze medal and a trophy.
