| By Godwin Ugbaka
Prof Afolarin Ojewole (2nd right) and the Associate Vice President, Vice President Student Development, Prof. Tolani Williams, ( 2nd left) Communication, Media and Branding, Dr. Babafemi Akintayo (right) listen as the President of the Nigerian Federation of Table Tennis, Dr. Soji Tayo makes a point.
Prof. Afolarin Ojewole and Prof. Tolani Williams with other BU officers take a pose with Dr. Soji Tayo, other NTTF officers and campers in training.
Prof. Afolarin Ojewole (2nd left) with others: l - r, the Chief of Staff to the Babcock University President/Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, Dr. Soji Tayo and Nother NTTF officer.
Babcock University’s President/Vice Chancellor, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, has called on government at all levels to invest more in sports, describing it as a vital tool for character building, discipline, and leadership development.
Professor Ojewole made the appeal while visiting Nigeria’s National Table Tennis team currently camped at Babcock University. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to training “the heart, the head and the hands,” noting that physical fitness enhances academic excellence and prepares students to experience 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 young athletes for their respect, humility, and focus, stressing that students engaged in sports are more likely to stay out of trouble and contribute positively to national growth.
Prof. Ojewole’s call for government to prioritize investment in sporting equipment nationwide is coming at a time when optimists believe the 2026 sports budget of ₦203.6 billion – up from N78 billion in 2025 - is a landmark investment aimed at infrastructure renewal, athlete welfare, and international competition readiness. If well-managed, will transform sports into a major driver of youth empowerment, national pride, and economic growth.
“When you invest in sports, you are investing in character building,” said Prof. Ojewole, adding, “Africa has the largest population of young people. Let’s do it for the future and for prosperity.”
Dr. Adesoji Tayo, President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, and BU Alumni President, praised the University administration for providing a serene environment, quality facilities, and comprehensive athlete support including feeding, accommodation, and healthcare. He noted that the partnership since 2018, has now positioned Babcock as Nigeria’s training hub.
The current three-week camp is preparing players for the African Championship in Ghana and Guinea. Dr. Tayo expressed confidence in the team’s medal prospects, adding that sports remain a powerful tool for instilling discipline and addressing youth restiveness and insecurity.
One of Nigeria’s rising tennis stars, Mathew Kuti, who has represented the country in tournaments across several countries, described the camp environment at Babcock as “very good,” citing discipline and adequate facilities.
“We train well, we rest, we do everything,” he said, adding that the restrictions on movement help the team stay focused. He expressed optimism at the upcoming championship in Guinea: “We are going to make Nigeria proud.”
Mr. Godwin Ugbaka is an Assistant Director, Department of Godwin Ugbaka Communication, Media and Branding