FUNAAB Launches 2026 VC’s Cup as Vice-Chancellor Emphasises Fair Play and Sportsmanship

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has officially commenced its 2026 Intercollegiate Sports competition, with the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup kicking off amid a strong call for discipline, fairness, and sportsmanship among participants.

Declaring the tournament open on April 1, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, charged participating teams—comprising both students and staff—to uphold the core values of fair play throughout the competition. He commended the enthusiasm surrounding the annual event and reiterated the University’s commitment to fostering a balanced academic and extracurricular culture.

According to him, sports remain a critical component of holistic education, reinforcing teamwork, physical fitness, and social cohesion. He stressed that academic excellence must be complemented by active participation in physical activities, noting that overall student development depends on both intellectual and physical well-being.

He further cautioned players against aggression on the field, urging them to demonstrate respect for opponents and officials while maintaining discipline during matches. He expressed confidence that the competition would deliver a rewarding and memorable experience for all participants.

The opening ceremony attracted senior University officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, and the Dean of the College of Biosciences, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, underscoring institutional support for sports development and student engagement.

Following the ceremony, the men’s football fixtures delivered tightly contested encounters across multiple colleges. The College of Biosciences secured a 1–0 victory over the College of Entrepreneurial and Development Studies, while the College of Physical Sciences edged the College of Plant Science and Crop Production by the same margin. The College of Engineering also recorded a 1–0 win against the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, and the College of Computing Sciences defeated the College of Veterinary Medicine 1–0.

The opening matches reflected a high level of discipline, resilience, and competitive intensity, setting a strong foundation for the tournament. Further fixtures are expected as the competition continues.