Sports

UI VC applauds Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association on 8th Annual Reunion

Published

2 years ago

December 22, 2022

…Promises to explore synergy….Ex

…As lnternationals Adepoju, Shorunmu Headline 8th World Reunion.

The Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Premier University, the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, over the weekend welcomed members of the Ex University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EXUIFA) who paid him a courtesy visit prior to their 8th annual World Reunion.

Professor Adebowale, in company of the University top management team, heartily received the Ex University of Ibadan Footballers Association, led by their President, Mr Edwin Evbie, the chairman Board of Trustees, Mogaji (Prof) Olusegun Adekunle, and the Vice Chairman, Dr.Abiodun Salami, who is the immediate past Director of Sports in the University of Ibadan.

In a very light hearted meeting, the EXUIFA explained their plans to help resucitate football in Nigeria’s citadel of learning by working with the sports council, building of a 5 A-side stadium and partnering with a US Tech Foundation to train 300 female students in computer tech skills such as UI/UX design, Web development, Agile, Product Development, AI, Machine Learning and Digital Marketing amongst others.

The VC who expressed his profound happiness with the EXUIFA plans and their conviviality stated that he was highly impressed that EXUIFA has close to two hundred members which cut across different generations and many of whom are in the diaspora.

According to the VC, ‘’I am very glad to meet you all, and I am impressed that you have over one hundred and fifty members scattered across the world and still waxing strong. It is the plan of my administration to make the Alumni Association of the University of Ibadan stronger than what it is presently and your plans of future projects and programs has simply shown your Association is very much in line with the plans of the University of Ibadan’’.

The Vice Chancellor promised that his administration shall explore the synergy between the school and EXUIFA that will help grow the Alumni Association of the University of Ibadan and also help UI maintain it’s standard.

After the courtesy visit to the VC, and as part of their 3 -day reunion plans, the Ex University of Ibadan Footballers Association, also visited an Orphanage in Ibadan where they interacted with staff and children of the Orphanage and later donated cash and gift items.

On the final day of their 2022 reunion program, the Ex players played a football game amongst themselves at the UI sports stadium with 2 ex Super Eagles stars – Mutiu Adepoju and Ike Shorunmu as special guests of honour.

The 3 day event ended with a dinner party at The Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan, where various awards were given to deserving members and others who have served the Nigerian Nation meritoriously in the past.

The award recipients include Ike Sorunmu, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and present goalkeepers’ Coach, ex Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju, DCP Kunle Olusokan, Capt. Atanda Abiodun, Ajadi Abiola and Victor Uzoho who came in from Finland.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

12 mins ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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