UI Will Remain Locally Relevant, Globally Competitive, Says VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to remaining locally relevant while strengthening its global competitiveness.

Professor Adebowale also reiterated the University’s determination to lead in higher education and sports development across Africa.

The Vice-Chancellor made the remarks at the turning of the sod and groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 500-bed hostel and 34 luxury-room apartments for the University of Ibadan Sports Academy.

He described the groundbreaking as the culmination of a vision initiated by the Convener of the Sports Academy, Professor O. A. Adegbesan.

Professor Adebowale commended Professor Adegbesan for his dedication and foresight in advancing the initiative from its conceptual stage to the groundbreaking milestone, noting that the project would position the academy as a transformative force for the University and Nigerian sports.

“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

He described the project as a major pillar of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy’s strategy to become a self-sustaining entity capable of contributing meaningfully to the institution’s financial independence.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the University’s resolve to strengthen the relationship between the gown and the town through innovative partnerships that provide benefits to the University community and the nation.

Professor Adebowale identified two major areas of importance for the development:

• Infrastructure for Excellence: The 500-bed hostel will provide student-athletes and the wider University community with access to modern and comfortable accommodation. He noted that athletes seeking to compete at national and international levels require world-class training and living environments. The project is expected to improve their welfare and enable them to concentrate on both academic and sporting excellence. He added that the development aligns with the Federal Government’s vision under the National Sports and Education Centres of Excellence programme and would further position the University of Ibadan as a leading centre for the initiative.

• Financial Sustainability through the “Sports-as-Business” Model: The 34 luxury-room apartments are expected to generate significant Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), creating a diversified and stable funding base for the long-term sustainability of the Sports Academy and the University. The Vice-Chancellor described the development as a practical application of the Sports-as-Business agenda.

Professor Adebowale charged the project developers to ensure that the iconic structure was completed within the stipulated timeframe and to the quality standards associated with the University of Ibadan.

Earlier, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy, Professor Olufemi A. Adegbesan, said the vision of the committee was to develop a Sports Academy capable of competing with leading sports institutions anywhere in the world.

He explained that the planned infrastructure would create an environment where talented young Nigerians could receive quality training, pursue education, develop discipline and character, and prepare for successful careers in sports and other fields.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MacPrime Properties, Mr Ademola Adeniyi, said the company decided to partner with the University of Ibadan on the project because it viewed the initiative not only as an investment in physical infrastructure but also as an investment in the future of sports, education and young people.

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