UI encourages delegates to increase collaborations

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-16 04:00:32

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olapegba, recently addressed delegates participating in the UI and University of Ghana Bilateral Games, urging them to let the spirit of the games extend beyond the confines of the sports field. Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, during a courtesy visit by the leaders of the University of Ghana delegation, participants of the bilateral games, and officials of the University Sports Council, Olapegba emphasized the importance of fostering a deeper connection between the two institutions.

Highlighting the shared history and foundation year of both the University of Ibadan and the University of Ghana, Olapegba described the visit of the delegation from the University of Ghana as more than just a visit – it was a homecoming. He emphasized the unifying power of sports and encouraged the participants to take advantage of their time in Ibadan by exploring the University’s various tourist attractions, such as the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, as well as other areas beyond the campus.

The Chairman of the UI Sports Council, Professor M. A. Ajayi, echoed Olapegba’s sentiments, noting that hosting the bilateral games was a significant opportunity for both universities to showcase the true essence of sports. He highlighted the longstanding tradition of the bilateral games, stressing that sports have the ability to bring people together in ways that transcend religious or cultural differences.

Ajayi emphasized the importance of the bilateral games in promoting the exchange of cultural values and providing a platform for the introduction of new sporting contexts within the two universities. He also mentioned that other universities not involved in the games were keenly observing the collaboration between the University of Ibadan and the University of Ghana, indicating a growing interest in the dynamics of the bilateral relationship.

Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, the Director of Sports at the University of Ghana and leader of the delegation, expressed his admiration for the evolution of the relationship between the two universities, noting that the transition from sports to broader research collaborations was truly remarkable. He emphasized that the bilateral games were not just about competition but about building a sense of fraternity and camaraderie among the participants.

In conclusion, the messages from the Deputy Vice Chancellor, the Chairman of the UI Sports Council, and the leader of the University of Ghana delegation all underscored the significance of the bilateral games in strengthening the bonds between the two universities. They highlighted the broader impact of sports in promoting unity, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration, setting the stage for deeper engagement and cooperation in the future.