UI Will Remain Locally Relevant and Globally Competitive, Says VC Adebowale at Groundbreaking of Sports Academy Hostel

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has restated the University’s commitment to remaining locally relevant and globally competitive, while leading the way in higher education and sports development in Africa.

Professor Adebowale spoke at the Turning of the Sod and Groundbreaking Ceremony for a 500-bed hostel and 34 luxury room apartments for the University of Ibadan Sports Academy.

He said the groundbreaking was the culmination of a vision set in motion by the Convener of the Sports Academy, Professor O. A. Adegbesan, whom he commended for his unwavering dedication and foresight in driving the initiative from conception to the current milestone.

“Today, we are not just laying a foundation for a hostel and apartments. We are laying the foundation for a new model of sustainable development for the University of Ibadan,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.

Professor Adebowale described the project as a significant pillar in the strategy of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy to become a self-sustaining entity that contributes meaningfully to the institution’s financial independence. He said it aligns with the resolve to strengthen the bond between the gown and the town through innovative partnerships that benefit the university community and the nation.

He noted that the importance of the development is two-fold.

On infrastructure for excellence, he said the 500-bed hostel will ensure that student-athletes and the broader university community have access to modern and comfortable accommodation. He added that to compete on national and international stages, athletes require world-class training and living environments, and the project will support their welfare and allow them to focus on academic and sporting excellence. He said the facility is in perfect alignment with the Federal Government’s vision under the National Sports and Education Centres of Excellence programme, and will position the University of Ibadan as a leading centre for the initiative.

On financial sustainability through the “Sports-as-Business” model, he explained that the 34 luxury room apartments will generate significant Internally Generated Revenue by creating a diversified and stable funding base to ensure the long-term viability of the Sports Academy and the University.

The Vice-Chancellor charged the project developers to ensure timely and quality completion of the iconic structure to the standard that defines the University of Ibadan.

Earlier, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy, Professor Olufemi A. Adegbesan, said the vision of the Committee is to develop a Sports Academy that can compete with leading sports institutions anywhere in the world. He stated that the infrastructure will help create an environment where talented young Nigerians can receive quality training, pursue education, develop discipline and character, and prepare for successful careers in sports and beyond.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MacPrime Properties, Mr. Ademola Adeniyi, said the company’s partnership with UI on the project is an investment not only in physical infrastructure but also in the future of sports, education, and young people.

The groundbreaking ceremony was witnessed by Principal Officers of the University, members of the University Council, past and present sports leaders including Mr. Mutiu Adepoju, the International Footballer aka “The Headmaster”; Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Football Federation; leaders of the University Community; leaders of the business community; and students of the UI Sports Academy.