Sports
Educational Policies Have Killed University Sports-Ex-UI Director Of Sports
Dr. Abiodun Isiaka Salami, the immediate past University of Ibadan Director of Sports, has taken a swipe at the various educational policies in the country which have killed University student’s participation in sports.
The former Green Eagles winger who spoke at the weekend, said participation in sports in the University is virtually dead, because of the jam-packed academic curriculum that has made it impossible for students to effectively combine education with sports.
He said in the past that many athletes, especially footballers combined their academics with football, even playing for clubs and national teams. But, these days, you hardly see such because the University educational policies have made it extremely difficult for that to happen. Most of the University lecturers still believe that sportsmen are unserious people.
The University system no longer makes it possible for sports to thrive. Take for instance the University of Ibadan where I served for 32 years, our sporting edifices which were our centre of attraction have been destroyed. Our football pitch and cricket field which were one of the best in the country now have building structures on them. The supposed new sports center that was built in a very remote part of the University community, is not easily accessible to the students, and has only a football pitch and a basketball court. No other sport exists there”.
Dr Salami, however, advised young football players not to jettison their education while playing football, as their certificates may be their rallying point after football. According to him, “football surely has an expiry date. It can either be due to injuries or age or something that can make you stop abruptly. It is then that your certificates will be important. You will rely on that for the rest of your life”.
Dr. Abiodun Isiaka Salami abandoned his flourishing football career at then IICC Shooting Stars and Green Eagles team preparing for the 1980 AFCON to proceed to the University of Ibadan to pursue an academic career starting from a Diploma certificate to a Doctorate Degree in Sports and Administration.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Visits Team Nigeria in Camp Ahead of All-African Senior Badminton Championship
…Says NSC is determined to encourage all Sports Federations
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has revealed that the Commission’s leadership is determined to support and encourage all sports federations to excel.
The 2025 edition of the All-African Senior Badminton Championship is set to take place from February 10th to 16th in Douala, Cameroon. Team Nigeria, consisting of 10 players—5 males and 5 females—will compete in the Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles categories. The men’s team includes Nigeria’s number one player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori.
Olopade visited the team’s camp in Abuja on Wednesday to encourage them and bid the Nigerian Badminton Team farewell ahead of their participation in the championship. He extended a goodwill message from the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assuring the team of the Commission’s support and encouraging them to make the country proud.
He expressed confidence in the team, urging them to perform at their best. “My message was very clear. I conveyed the message from the chairman of the sports commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, and it was a clear one: we are determined to continue supporting all sports,” Olopade said.
“Moreover, when you look at the development and growth of Nigerian badminton, it is our responsibility, as leaders of the sports commission, to ensure that these athletes are encouraged to keep up the good work they have been doing for the country. They are the defending champions, and I’m not just here to encourage them. I have come to show our love, our support, and to ensure they are ready. They are well taken care of, and the confidence for them to excel is there. It’s all up to them to do well.”
In his remarks, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbi, stated that the Nigerian team is ready for the championships and that all the players understand the importance of the tournament.
“I’m confident that they will perform very well. We have a lot of potential, and the Director General’s visit to encourage the players will further boost their courage and determination. We are grateful for that.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s badminton star, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, is aiming for a consecutive title at the 2025 All-African Senior Badminton Championship in Douala, Cameroon. Opeyori won the singles event last year and is now targeting another title in Cameroon.
At the previous edition of the tournament in Cairo, Nigeria won one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.
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