By DAYO ADESULU
ILISHAN-REMO, Ogun State – The President/Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, has called on governments at all levels to increase investment in sports, describing it as a critical tool for character development, youth empowerment, and national progress.
Professor Ojewole made the call during a visit to the Nigerian National Table Tennis Team, which is currently holding a three-week training camp at Babcock University ahead of the African Table Tennis Championship.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor said sports play a significant role in building discipline, determination, leadership, and good sportsmanship among young people.
According to him, Babcock University remains committed to its philosophy of developing “the heart, the head and the hands,” noting that physical fitness complements academic excellence and helps students realize their full potential.
“Sports teach discipline, determination and good sportsmanship. Losing is part of winning. That’s why sports have a place in Babcock University,” Ojewole said.
He commended the national athletes for their humility, focus and discipline, adding that active participation in sports keeps young people productively engaged and contributes to national development.
Professor Ojewole also urged governments to provide more sporting facilities and equipment across the country, stressing that sustained investment in sports would produce long-term social and economic benefits.
“When you invest in sports, you are investing in character building. Africa has the largest population of young people. Let us invest in sports for the future and for prosperity,” he said.
His remarks come as Nigeria significantly increased funding for the sports sector in the 2026 budget, with allocations expected to strengthen infrastructure, improve athlete welfare and enhance the country’s competitiveness in international sporting events.
Also speaking, Dr. Adesoji Tayo, President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and President of the Babcock University Alumni Association, praised the institution for providing a conducive environment for the national team.
He said the university has continued to offer quality training facilities, accommodation, feeding and healthcare for athletes since partnering with the federation in 2018, making it one of Nigeria’s leading training centres for table tennis.
Dr. Tayo disclosed that the ongoing camp is preparing the team for the forthcoming African Championships to be held in Ghana and Guinea, expressing confidence that the players would return home with medals.
He added that sports remain an effective platform for promoting discipline among young people and tackling youth restiveness and insecurity.
One of Nigeria’s top table tennis players, Mathew Kuti, also commended the training environment at Babcock University, describing it as ideal for intensive preparation.
“The environment is very good. We train well, we rest well, and everything we need is available. The controlled environment helps us stay focused,” Kuti said.
Expressing confidence ahead of the continental championship, he added, “We are going to make Nigeria proud.”
