The President/Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, has called on governments at all levels to increase investment in sports, describing it as a strategic tool for character development, youth empowerment and national growth.
Ojewole made the call while hosting members of Nigeria’s national table tennis team, who are currently holding a three-week training camp at the university in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
He said sports play a critical role in instilling discipline, resilience, leadership and good sportsmanship among young people, stressing that physical fitness complements academic excellence.
According to him, Babcock University’s philosophy of training “the heart, the head and the hands” underscores the institution’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates.
“Sports teach discipline, determination and good sportsmanship. Losing is part of winning. That is why sports have a place in Babcock University,” Ojewole said.
He added that students actively involved in sporting activities are less likely to engage in social vices and are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The vice-chancellor urged governments to prioritise the provision of modern sporting facilities and equipment across the country, noting that investment in sports translates into investment in the nation’s future.
“When you invest in sports, you are investing in character building. Africa has the largest population of young people. Let us do it for the future and for prosperity,” he said.
Ojewole’s appeal comes amid increased federal allocation to the sports sector, with the 2026 budget providing about ₦203.6 billion, a significant rise from the ₦78 billion allocated in 2025 for sports development, infrastructure and athlete welfare.
Speaking during the visit, the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Dr. Adesoji Tayo, commended the university for providing world-class facilities and a conducive environment for the national team.
He said the institution had consistently supported the federation with accommodation, feeding, healthcare and training facilities since 2018, making it a preferred training base for the country’s elite table tennis players.
According to Tayo, the ongoing camp is part of preparations for the forthcoming African Table Tennis Championships in Ghana and Guinea.
He expressed confidence that the team would excel at the competition, adding that sports remain a veritable instrument for promoting discipline, reducing youth restiveness and tackling insecurity.
One of Nigeria’s leading table tennis players, Mathew Kuti, also lauded the camp, describing the training environment as excellent.
“We train well, we rest and everything we need is available. The controlled environment keeps us focused,” Kuti said.
He expressed optimism that the team would perform well at the continental championship.
“We are going to make Nigeria proud,” he added.
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