Gabriel Akinduro Wins Maiden FUTA Table Tennis Championship
Gabriel Akinduro from the School of Physical Sciences won the first Men's Table Tennis Championship at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). In the final match, he defeated Afolabi Timothy from the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Gabriel Akinduro of the School of Physical Sciences has emerged victorious in the inaugural Men’s Table Tennis Championship organized by the Directorate of Sports at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). The grand finale, held at the new Indoor Sports Hall on July 18, 2024, saw Akinduro defeating Afolabi Timothy of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology to claim the title of FUTA's best Ping-Pong player. Jacob Ayodeji from the School of Computing secured third place after overcoming his schoolmate, Olowokere Marvelous.
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During the medal presentation ceremony, Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by Vice Chancellor Development Professor Sunday Oluyamo, praised the players for their skill and sportsmanship. She encouraged them to maintain a balance between their academic and extracurricular activities, highlighting FUTA's reputation for excellence in both academics and sports.
Professor Oladiji also expressed gratitude to Alhaji Yusuf Adeoye, MD/CEO of IJUNT Construction, for sponsoring the event and for his continuous support. She commended the Director of Sports, Coach Dr. Michael Ajibua, Chief Table Tennis Coach Opeyemi Dada, and the entire organizing committee for successfully hosting the championship and bringing positive attention to FUTA.
Chairman of the FUTA Sports Council, Professor Christopher Akinbile, congratulated all participants and encouraged those who did not win to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and aim for victory in future editions. He thanked the university management for its ongoing efforts to promote sports at FUTA.
The competition began with 57 participants, with 53 eliminated by the semifinals, leaving the top four players to compete for the prizes. The first-place winner received 40,000 Naira, the second-place winner received 30,000 Naira, the third-place winner received 20,000 Naira, and the fourth-place winner received 10,000 Naira.
