University of Ibadan Launches Sports Academy and Moves to Establish Faculty of Sports
The University of Ibadan, has officially launched the University of Ibadan Sports Academy UISA and unveiled the academys official tracksuit, while announcing plans to establish a dedicated Faculty of Sports, marking a significant step in strengthening sports development and sports education within the institution.
The Sports Academy was inaugurated during a ceremony held at the Vice Chancellors Boardroom, bringing together the Vice Chancellor, senior university management, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, members of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy Planning Committee, and other stakeholders. The unveiling of the academys official tracksuit formed part of the ceremony, symbolising the commencement of the academys operations and a renewed identity for university sports at UI.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor described the launch of the academy as an important milestone in the universitys vision of repositioning sports beyond recreation to become a platform for talent development, innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. He noted that the initiative aligns with the growing recognition of sports as a viable sector capable of creating employment opportunities, developing elite athletes, and contributing to national development.
The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that the university has commenced plans to establish a standalone Faculty of Sports, which will provide specialised academic programmes in areas including sports and exercise science, coaching and performance science, sports management, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and sports technology and data analytics. The proposed faculty is expected to further strengthen sports education, research, and professional training within the university.
According to the university, the Federal Ministry of Education selected the University of Ibadan as one of six federal universities to pioneer the Sports Academy initiative, with UI emerging as the only participating institution from Nigerias South West region. The university also revealed plans to integrate its Staff School and International School into the academys athlete development pathway to support early talent identification and long term athlete development.
The Vice Chancellor commended the University of Ibadan Sports Academy Planning Committee, led by Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, for driving the initiative and expressed confidence that the committee would deliver a framework capable of positioning the institution as a leading centre for sports development in Nigeria.
The Nigerian University Games Association NUGA congratulates the University of Ibadan on the successful launch of the University of Ibadan Sports Academy and the unveiling of its official tracksuit. NUGA also commends the institutions vision to establish a Faculty of Sports, recognising the initiative as a positive contribution towards strengthening athlete development, sports education, research, and the continued advancement of university sports in Nigeria.