By DAYO ADESULU
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has returned to Babcock University to appreciate the institution for providing accommodation and a conducive environment for the national table tennis team ahead of major international competitions.
The federation’s delegation visited Babcock University on Tuesday, presenting medals and trophies won by athletes who spent three weeks at the institution during their preparations for championships in Ghana and The Gambia.
NTTF Commends Babcock University’s Support
The delegation was led by the NTTF Secretary General, Mr. Akanmu Olusoji, and included the national coach, Mr. Idowu Ayodele, as well as four players — Rabiu Opeyemi, Fabunmi Mathew, Mathew Kuti and Atunusa Quadri.
The federation said the visit was primarily to express its appreciation to Babcock University for hosting the team and contributing to its successful preparation for the international competitions.
Receiving the delegation in his boardroom alongside other principal officers, Babcock University President/Vice Chancellor, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, said the institution was committed to developing talents despite not being primarily a sports-focused university.
He explained that Babcock believes in developing the whole person by training “the mind, the hands, and the heart.”
According to him, the university was pleased to provide accommodation for the young athletes during their preparations, particularly because the team went on to record significant success at the championships.
“For the first time in a long time, we provided a home for a few weeks for teenagers being prepared for championship. And they won. They won many medals,” Ojewole said.
He added that Babcock University was proud to be associated with the athletes’ achievement, stressing that the institution does not merely speak about producing champions but actively works towards raising them.
Babcock Urges Athletes to Combine Sports with Education
Professor Ojewole also encouraged the players to pursue academic qualifications alongside their sporting careers.
He introduced Babcock University’s Distance E-Learning programme as an opportunity for athletes to study while continuing their careers, regardless of where they are competing.
“Whether you’re in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Europe or Canada, you can go to school at your pace. It’s not too expensive, it’s very possible,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor cited African table tennis champion Funke Oshonaike, who later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing Science, as an example of an athlete who combined sporting achievement with education.
He also referenced former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who pursued higher academic qualifications, including a PhD, after establishing himself in professional basketball.
NTTF: Education Will Sustain Athletes After Retirement
Earlier, Olusoji, who represented the NTTF President, Dr. Adesoji Tayo, thanked Babcock University for its support.
He described Professor Ojewole as “an academia, a parent and a man of God,” while emphasizing the importance of education for athletes.
Olusoji noted that sporting careers have a limited lifespan, making academic qualifications important for athletes preparing for life after retirement.
“Sport has an expired age,” he said, adding that certificates could help sustain athletes when their competitive careers eventually come to an end.
Coach Credits Babcock Environment for Table Tennis Success
National coach Idowu Ayodele described the team’s outing as one of its greatest performances, while acknowledging Babcock University’s contribution to the athletes’ preparation.
He specifically credited the university’s environment, food and discipline for helping the team prepare effectively.
“This institution is part of the success story,” Ayodele said.
The results from the international competitions underline the strength of the team’s performance.
At the African Championship in Ghana, Nigeria secured 13 medals comprising two gold, three silver and eight bronze medals.
Two days later, the team added four more medals at the African Cup — one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
Matthew Kuti Emerges as African U-19 Champion
One of the notable achievements came from Matthew Kuti, who dethroned the reigning African Under-19 champion from Tunisia at the African Cup.
Kuti expressed happiness over the victory and praised Babcock University for providing an environment that supported the team’s preparation.
“I feel good and very happy that I won,” he said, adding that the university provided discipline and other conditions necessary for success.
Kuti also expressed his determination to defend his title in the following year.
Medals and Trophies Presented to Babcock
The visit culminated in the formal presentation of the medals and trophies to Professor Ojewole as a gesture of appreciation from the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.
The presentation underscored the partnership between the federation and Babcock University and highlighted the institution’s role in supporting the preparation of Nigeria’s young table tennis talents.
Why This Matters
The NTTF’s return to Babcock University demonstrates how partnerships between educational institutions and sports federations can help create better conditions for young athletes.
Beyond accommodation and training facilities, the engagement also highlighted the importance of education as part of an athlete’s long-term development. With sporting careers often limited by age, combining competitive sports with academic training can give athletes stronger opportunities after retirement.
For Babcock University, the recognition also reinforces its broader commitment to nurturing talent and developing students beyond the classroom.
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