FUL VC Endorses Ododo All-Campus Games, Approves Use of University Facilities for Semi-Finals

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, has endorsed the maiden Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo All-Campus Games 2026 and pledged the University’s support for the competition, including the use of its sporting facilities for the semi-final stage.

Professor Ibileye gave the endorsement when the Local Organising Committee of the Games, led by Comrade Michael Achor Joshua, paid an advocacy visit to him at the University’s Permanent Site on August 25, 2026.

The competition is designed to bring together students from federal and state-owned tertiary institutions across Kogi State, with about 20 institutions expected to participate.

Speaking during the visit, Joshua explained that the Games were conceived to harness the potential of young athletes, promote unity and peaceful coexistence among participating institutions, and create pathways to sustainable careers through sports.

He described the sports industry as an avenue capable of transforming lives and creating significant economic opportunities for individuals who invest strategically in it.

He said the maiden edition would provide talented athletes with a structured platform to develop their abilities and represent their institutions, families and Kogi State on national and international stages.

“The Games are open to federal and state institutions for this maiden edition,” he said.

Joshua explained that the advocacy visit was intended to brief the Vice-Chancellor on the objectives of the Games, particularly their potential to promote peace, unity and youth development, as well as support the broader development agenda of the government.

According to him, the competition would commence with preliminary rounds within institutions’ respective senatorial districts, with successful teams progressing to subsequent stages.

The zone is expected to produce two semi-finalists, with football, basketball and several other sports scheduled for the maiden edition.

He also sought FUL’s support in hosting the semi-final stage, noting that the Vice-Chancellor was the first head of an institution the committee had met one-on-one in its advocacy efforts.

Responding, Professor Ibileye expressed the University’s readiness to support initiatives that promote student development and contribute positively to society.

He noted that FUL had responded to an earlier request, describing this as an indication of the institution’s support for the initiative.

“We have been involved in similar activities across the country. I believe that our sportsmen and women will also bring to bear the same vigour, passion and commitment that define us as an institution in this competition,” Professor Ibileye said.

On the request to use the University’s sporting facilities, the Vice-Chancellor pledged to make them available, subject to FUL’s regulations and proper conduct.

“For our facilities, we will release them as they are put in place for the good of society, as long as it helps our students and promotes their wellbeing. We will release them to you,” he said.

Professor Ibileye, however, tied the use of the facilities to firm guarantees on safety and directed the organisers, participating students and committee members to maintain decorum throughout the competition.

He emphasised the University’s commitment to maintaining peace and security on its campus and warned that any conduct capable of jeopardising the institution’s serenity would not be tolerated.

The Vice-Chancellor directed strict compliance with the University’s regulations on security and conduct, stating that no weapons, drugs, tinted glasses or other vices would be permitted on the campus during the competition.

He assured the committee that, provided the University’s rules were strictly observed, access to the relevant sporting facilities would not be in doubt.

“We are glad that you can see our University as a friendly partner, and we are happy to endorse the Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo All-Campus Games 2026,” he said.

The committee expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the Director of Sports for the audience and for the University’s support towards the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the Games.