- VC Ijadunola hopeful in youths
Elizade University, Ilara Mokin in Ondo State has hosted the first-ever Sports Championship among Private Universities in Nigeria (NPUGA).
At the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Kayode Ijadunola expressed great hope in the future of Nigerian Youths against the backdrop of excellent performance, outstanding team spirit, superb fellowship and camaraderie among the competing athletes at NPUGA Championship 2024.
This was in a statement by the institution’s Head, Public Relations, Mr Williams Olufunmi.
Ijadunola was delighted that despite their different backgrounds and capacities, the youths all accepted each other and the outcomes of the championship with enthusiasm while they cheered winning teams with single-mindedness.
He lauded the high level of charisma, conduct, character, maturity, and discipline that they exhibited as individuals and as teams.
The Elizade Vice Chancellor noted with satisfaction the Spirit of Sportsmanship which they displayed; the respect they accorded to officials and the responsible behavior which stood them out as good ambassadors of their Institutions.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Wole Adamolekun, said the NPUGA Championship provides an avenue for students to network, develop, and showcase their innate talents like other platforms such as Nigeria University Games Association, (NUGA) and the West African University Games (WAUG).
He said NPUGA like other Sporting fiesta remains an integral part of the educational process which is vital, and critical to fostering peace, unity, entrepreneurship, and an antidote against anti-social behavior among youths.
The President of Nigeria Private University Games, (NPUGA) Mr Tunde Akinola, said participation in competitive sports contributes immensely to the health and well-being, physical skills, emotional maturity, social competence, and moral values of students while also developing and nurturing in cooperation and competition.
He explained that NPUGA affords the students the opportunity for the development of a democratic process and fair-play in a team, that enables them to learn how to relate with mates in achieving team goals.
Elizade University Coach, Mr Olaniyi Bewaji thanked the Board of Trustees, the Council, and the Management of Elizade University for their commitment to producing wholesome Graduates that are well rounded, fit for global reckoning, which it has demonstrated by hosting the NPUGA championship making it the first private University to do so in Nigeria.
Nine Universities participated in the Championship which featured Basketball, Tennis, Badminton, Chess, and Table Tennis.
The Universities that competed for medals are Elizade University, Achievers University, Mcpherson University, Lead University, and Benson Idahosa University.
Others are Adeleke University, Fountain University, Afe Babalola University, and Babcock University.
Benson Idahosa University was on top of the medals table with 20 medals and Elizade University raked in 15 medals.
The forthcoming Main NPUGA Games is billed for Achievers University, Owo in December 2024.
