TASFUED VC Pledges Mini Stadium and Sports Facilities, Honours Athletes for GATIG Victory

The Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, TASFUED, Ijagun, Prof. Samuel Oladipo, MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, has pledged that the University will commence construction of a mini stadium and other priority sports facilities before the end of 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor gave this commitment while receiving the University's athletes, coaches and sports management team following their outstanding performance at the 7th Gateway Tertiary Institutions Games, GATIG, held between Sunday, August 30th and Friday, September 5th 2026 at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta.

Prof. Oladipo, who commended the contingent for its impressive performance, said the achievement demonstrated TASFUED's potential to produce athletes capable of competing successfully at national and international levels.

He noted that the University's commitment to the holistic development of its students required deliberate investment in sports, stressing that academic excellence should be complemented by opportunities for students to develop their talents and other abilities.

According to him, the existing sports infrastructure was inadequate to support the growing potential of the University's athletes, citing the need for facilities such as a football field, an athletics track, a swimming pool, and tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts.

"I can assure you that before the end of this year we will begin work on the sports centre," Prof. Oladipo said.

He explained that Management had commenced discussions with individuals and organisations on possible partnerships to support the development of sports infrastructure, adding that the projects would be implemented in phases based on available resources and support.

The Vice-Chancellor directed the coaches and the Director of Sports to identify and prioritise the facilities most urgently required by the various sporting disciplines, noting that strategic partnerships could facilitate the simultaneous development of multiple facilities.

Prof. Oladipo challenged the athletes to aspire to greater heights beyond local competitions, including national and international championships and National University Games Association, NUGA, competitions.

He congratulated the athletes, coaches and officials, attributing their success to years of training, discipline, commitment and teamwork. He urged the athletes to sustain their efforts and remain focused on achieving greater accomplishments.

Earlier, the Director of Sports, Prof. Modupe Banjo, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his financial and moral support to the University's sports programme.

Prof. Banjo disclosed that the TASFUED contingent won 30 gold, 11 silver and five bronze medals, bringing its reported medal tally to 46. She, however, maintained that irrespective of the disputed result, TASFUED emerged as the overall champion of the competition.

Presenting the trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, she praised the athletes for their discipline and commitment throughout the competition, noting that their conduct contributed significantly to the University's success.

The Vice-Chancellor further noted that several TASFUED alumni had represented Nigeria in athletics, describing the development as evidence of the University's capacity to produce athletes capable of excelling at the highest level.

He said Management would consider appropriate recognition for the athletes, coaches and officials whose contributions led to the University's success, stressing that the achievement was a collective effort.

Prof. Oladipo reaffirmed Management's commitment to strengthening sports at TASFUED, stressing that the University's latest achievement had reinforced the need for strategic investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development.

He urged the athletes to remain disciplined, committed and confident in their abilities, assuring them of Management's continued support in their pursuit of greater achievements.

On hand to receive the athletes were the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Rotimi Ettu; the Bursar; and Mr Kabir Ogunneye, FCA.