FULOKOJA VC Receives Medalists, Reaffirms Commitment to University Athletics in New Sports Policy

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, has reaffirmed the University's commitment to sports development by honouring medal-winning athletes and unveiling a new policy aimed at boosting campus-wide participation in sporting activities. 

At a reception held for members of the sports contingent who recently represented the University at national and international competitions, the Vice-Chancellor announced that all lectures would henceforth end by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, to allow students to participate in sports activities. The policy, he explained, is aimed at encouraging and institutionalising a culture of sports participation, while ensuring that students preparing to represent the University at any competition have adequate time to train.

“This will now become a permanent practice in the University. We want our students, especially those representing FUL at various competitions, to have all the support and motivation they need. Their sacrifices matter to us,” Professor Akinwumi said. While acknowledging that inadequate funding remains a challenge, the Vice-Chancellor pledged to continue leveraging his personal contacts, through which the University’s mini stadium and lawn tennis courts were constructed, to attract more donors and sponsors for the development of sports in the fast-growing Institution.

Presenting a comprehensive report, Director of Sports, Mr Adebayo Ilori, expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of the University management. He highlighted FUL’s consistent participation at the World University Games, African Games, and NUGA competitions, describing it as a remarkable improvement in the University’s sports history. The University's contingent won seven (7) medals (2 Silver and 5 Bronze) across different sporting events during the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) competition.

The sports Director particularly commended the Vice-Chancellor for personally sponsoring a student athlete who represented FUL at the World University Sports Championship in Germany, noting that such support was unprecedented. “We may not have brought home gold this time, but you have ensured that the name of Federal University Lokoja is now on the map of all major university sports competitions. Our flag flew across the lengths and breadths of these events, a feat we have never achieved before,” Ilori remarked.