FUTIA VC, Prof. Leo Daniel Calls for Accelerated Investment in Sports Education

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Prof. Leo Daniel, has urged stakeholders in and beyond the sports industry, all levels of government, and Federal Institutions to invest strategically in sports education and extracurricular activities to enhance academic excellence in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.

Prof. Daniel made this call on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at the CVCNU Secretariat in Abuja as part of his remarks at a “One-day Workshop and Intensive Training on University Sports Management and Financing in Nigeria”. The event was organized by the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), under the theme "Empowering Excellence: A Workshop on University Sports Management and Financing in Nigeria."

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that Tertiary Education is designed to offer students a well-rounded experience, encompassing academics, skills development, internships, and extracurricular activities, including sports. He highlighted that proficiency in each of these components is essential for graduates to be certified as individuals of learning, skill and character.

Commending CVCNU and NUGA for hosting the intensive workshop, Prof. Daniel underscored the importance of raising awareness, funding, and partnerships for sports management and activities in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, as a means to improve academic outcomes.

During the workshop, the FUTIA Vice Chancellor assured CVCNU and NUGA of FUTIA's commitment to collaborate with both organizations and other stakeholders in the sports sector. He reviewed his contributions to sports development at FUTIA, including hosting and sponsoring of the Maiden Edition of the Vice Chancellor’s Football Cup Championship in 2024; an initiative that discovered young sports talents while promoting sportsmanship and teamwork.

Prof. Daniel also expressed the University’s dedication to preparing FUTIA students and athletes for participation in upcoming Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) events, with the aim of equipping them for global competitiveness.

The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the University’s Sports Coach, Mr. Uboho Uku. Certificates were presented to the participating institutions.