UI launches Sports Academy, unveils official tracksuit, moves to establish Faculty of Sports

The University of Ibadan (UI) has officially launched the University of Ibadan Sports Academy (UISA), unveiling its official tracksuit and announcing plans to establish a standalone Faculty of Sports as part of efforts to transform sports into a viable academic and economic enterprise.

The event, held on Friday at the Vice-Chancellor’s Boardroom, was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, who also unveiled the academy’s official tracksuit in the presence of the Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), senior university officials and other stakeholders.

The convener and Chairman of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy Planning Committee, Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, was commended by the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership and commitment in driving the initiative, attracting applause from participants at the ceremony.

Speaking during the official launch, the Vice-Chancellor described the establishment of the academy as a defining moment in the history of the institution, saying it marked a deliberate shift towards repositioning sports as a strategic tool for talent development, innovation and economic growth.

“This is not merely the launching of a new unit in our university,” he said. “It is a watershed moment in our institutional history. It represents a deliberate and intentional effort to reimagine the role of sports within the University of Ibadan system.”

He noted that sports had for too long been regarded merely as recreation in many higher institutions, stressing that the university was determined to change that narrative.

“We are declaring clearly and unequivocally that sports is a serious enterprise. It is a powerful driver of innovation, talent development, economic growth and national development,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that the global sports industry had evolved into a multi-billion-dollar sector because developed nations invested early in talent identification, world-class facilities and structured support systems.

“As Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan cannot afford to remain a spectator. It must become a leader,” he declared.

He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education selected the University of Ibadan as one of only six federal universities in the country to pioneer the sports academy initiative and the only institution from the South-West to receive the recognition.

According to him, the university intends to leverage the opportunity to build a sustainable and commercially viable sports ecosystem capable of producing elite athletes while contributing to national economic development.

“Our vision is to create a sustainable, commercially viable sports ecosystem that will not only produce outstanding athletes but also contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that discussions were already underway to establish a dedicated Faculty of Sports, noting that stakeholders had agreed that universities should move beyond offering Human Kinetics under Faculties of Education to creating specialised faculties devoted entirely to sports.

The proposed faculty, he said, would comprise the Department of Sports and Exercise Science, Department of Coaching and Performance Science, Department of Sports Management and Business, Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Department of Sports Technology and Data Analytics.

“We are optimistic that after further consultations with the relevant authorities, these academic programmes will soon become a reality,” he said.

He explained that the university already possessed the facilities, institutional heritage and experience required to build a world-class sports academy.

“The University of Ibadan is not starting from scratch. We already possess outstanding sporting facilities and a rich institutional heritage. This academy will build on that legacy by upgrading our infrastructure and professionalising our sports programmes,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced plans to integrate the University of Ibadan Staff School and the International School, University of Ibadan, into the academy’s talent development framework to identify and nurture gifted athletes from an early age.

“This deliberate inclusion ensures that we identify sporting talents early and nurture them systematically from childhood through secondary school and into the university,” he explained.

He charged the planning committee to produce a comprehensive blueprint that would position the University of Ibadan as the leading tertiary institution for sports development in Nigeria.

“Our goal is to become a centre of excellence for sports talent development, producing athletes who will represent both the university and Nigeria with distinction on the global stage,” he said.

Commending members of the planning committee, the Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a framework that would stand the test of time.

“I appreciate the Planning Committee for its dedication, commitment and visionary leadership. I have every confidence in its capacity to deliver a framework that will endure,” he said.

He called on staff, students, alumni and stakeholders to support the initiative, adding that the academy would strengthen the university’s reputation for excellence beyond academics.

“As we launch this academy today, we are planting a seed for the future—a future in which the University of Ibadan will be known not only for academic excellence but also for sporting excellence, innovation and economic transformation,” he stated.

The ceremony climaxed with the official unveiling of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy tracksuit by the Vice-Chancellor, witnessed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, principal officers of the university and other stakeholders, marking the formal commencement of the academy’s operations under the slogan: “UISA… Where Sports and Character Make a Total You!”