TASFUED Student-Athletes Shine at 7th GATIG as University Records Impressive Medal Haul

Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, TASFUED, Ijagun, has recorded an impressive performance at the 7th edition of the Gateway Tertiary Institutions Games, GATIG, with its student-athletes winning a rich haul of gold, silver and bronze medals across several sporting events.

The competition, held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State, provided a platform for tertiary institutions across the State to showcase their sporting talents and competitive prowess.

The 2026 edition featured events including athletics, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo and Ayo.

TASFUED athletes distinguished themselves in several events, securing gold medals in Ayo Male Singles, Ayo Female Singles and Ayo Female Doubles; Male and Female Volleyball; Female Taekwondo; Male and Female Tennis Singles; Female and Mixed Tennis Doubles; Female 1,500 metres; Female Long Jump; and the 100 and 400 metres events, among others.

The University also recorded silver-medal finishes in Male and Female Basketball, Male 1,500 metres, Male and Female Shot Put, as well as additional silver medals in the 100 and 400 metres events. A bronze medal was won in Table Tennis Mixed Doubles.

Reacting to the feat, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, applauded the student-athletes, describing their performance as a demonstration of the University's commitment to developing students beyond the classroom.

Prof. Oladipo said TASFUED believes that education should develop the head, the hand and the heart, explaining that while the head represents knowledge and intellectual development, the hand represents skills and practical competence, and the heart embodies character, discipline, resilience, teamwork and responsibility.

According to him, sporting activities provide students with valuable life skills, including goal-setting, time management, teamwork, resilience and the ability to handle pressure and setbacks.

He stressed that academic and sporting excellence were not competing objectives, but complementary elements in the University's mission of producing well-rounded graduates.

The Vice-Chancellor further commended the Chairman of the TASFUED Sports Council, Prof. Modupeola Banjo, for her leadership and commitment to sporting development, as well as coaches, trainers, technical officials, members of the Sports Council and supporters whose efforts contributed to the University's success.

He also praised the students who participated in the games without winning medals, noting that their courage, discipline and willingness to represent the University were equally worthy of recognition.

Prof. Oladipo reaffirmed Management's commitment to providing opportunities for students to discover and develop their talents in sports, technology, research, entrepreneurship, leadership, the arts and other areas of human endeavour.

He said the University's broader ambition was to produce graduates who were "intellectually sound, physically confident, emotionally resilient, professionally competent and morally grounded."

The Vice-Chancellor urged the student-athletes to regard their achievement not merely as a collection of medals but as a reflection of the discipline, determination and teamwork required for excellence in life.

The impressive outing has further highlighted TASFUED's growing emphasis on holistic education and its commitment to providing students with opportunities to discover, develop and demonstrate their potential both within and beyond the classroom.