Babcock University President/Vice Chancellor, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, has called on governments at all levels to increase investment in sports, describing it as a strategic tool for character development, youth empowerment, and national growth.
Professor Ojewole made the call during a visit to Nigeria’s national table tennis team, currently in a three-week training camp at the university’s campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor reiterated the institution’s philosophy of developing “the heart, the head and the hands,” stressing that sports complement academic excellence by promoting discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
According to him, sports help shape responsible citizens by teaching valuable life lessons such as perseverance, determination, humility, and good sportsmanship.
“Sports teach discipline, determination and good sportsmanship. Losing is part of winning. That’s why sports have a place in Babcock University,” he said.
Ojewole also commended the athletes for their discipline, respect, and focus, noting that young people who actively participate in sports are less likely to engage in social vices and are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He urged the government to invest more in sporting infrastructure and equipment across the country, saying such investments would strengthen youth development and unlock Nigeria’s sporting potential.
“When you invest in sports, you are investing in character building. Africa has the largest population of young people. Let’s do it for the future and for prosperity,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor’s appeal comes amid increased public optimism over the Federal Government’s 2026 sports budget of ₦203.6 billion, a significant increase from ₦78 billion in 2025, with expectations that the funding will improve sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, and Nigeria’s competitiveness at international events.
Also speaking, Dr. Adesoji Tayo, President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and President of the Babcock University Alumni Association, lauded the university for providing a conducive environment for athletes through quality facilities, accommodation, feeding, and healthcare services.
He said the partnership between the federation and the university, which began in 2018, has positioned Babcock University as Nigeria’s leading training hub for table tennis.
According to him, the ongoing camp is preparing athletes for the upcoming African Table Tennis Championships in Ghana and Guinea, expressing confidence that Team Nigeria will return with medals.
One of Nigeria’s rising table tennis stars, Mathew Kuti, also praised the training environment, describing it as disciplined and well-organised.
“We train well, we rest, we do everything,” Kuti said, adding that the controlled camp environment keeps the players focused.
Expressing confidence ahead of the championship, he said, “We are going to make Nigeria proud.”
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