The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has paid a courtesy visit to Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo in Ogun, in appreciation of the institution’s support for its team, ahead of major international competitions.
The federation disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.
The NTTF delegation visited the university on Monday, Aug. 17.
It presented medals and trophies won by athletes who spent three weeks at the institution while preparing for their championships in Ghana and The Gambia.
The statement said the delegation was led by NTTF Secretary-General, Akanmu Olusoji, included national coach Idowu Ayodele and four players, Aishat Rabiu, Matthew Fabunmi, Mathew Kuti and Quadri Atunwon.
According to the statement, the visit is to thank Babcock university for providing accommodation and an enabling environment that contributed to the team’s success during the championships.
It noted that receiving the delegation, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, President and Vice Chancellor of the institution reaffirmed commitment in developing talents, in spite of not being primarily a sports-focused. university.
It quoted Ojewole as saying that Babcock’s philosophy was to develop the whole person through “the mind, the hands and the heart.”
The statement said the vice chancellor expressed delight that the university’s support had contributed to the athletes’ success.
“For the first time in a long time, we provided a home for a few weeks for teenagers preparing for championships and they won. They won many medals,” it quoted the vice chancellor
According to the statement, the vice-chancellor also encouraged the athletes to combine their sporting careers with education.
It added that he introduced Babcock’s Distance E-Learning programme as a flexible option for athletes to continue their studies while competing internationally.
The statement added that Ojewole cited African table tennis champion Funke Oshonaike, who earned a degree in Nursing Science as an example.
“A former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who also pursued higher academic qualifications including a PhD, is also another example of athletes who combined sports with education,” it quoted the vice chancellor.
Speaking on behalf of NTTF President, Dr Adesoji Tayo, the statement said Olusoji, the secretary general commended the university for its support and stressed the importance of education for athletes.
It said he reminded the players that sporting careers were time-bound.
“Sport has an expiring age; academic qualifications will provide a sustainable future for athletes after retirement, he said.
The statement further stated that the National Coach, Idowu Ayodele also credited the institution ‘s environment, food and discipline for helping the team prepare well.
It said he described the university as “part of the success story”.
According to Ayodele, the team’s performance reflects the quality of its preparation, noting that Nigeria won 13 medals at the African Youth Championship in Ghana, two gold, three silver and eight bronze.
The statement quoted him as saying that two days later, the team added four more medals at the African Youth Cup, comprising one gold, one silver and two bronze.
According to the statement, one of the major highlights is Kuti’s victory at the African Youth Cup, where he dethroned the reigning African U-19 champion from Tunisia.
It noted that Kuti expressed joy over his victory and lauded the university for providing the discipline and support needed for the team’s success.
It added that he also pledged to defend his title the following year.
The statement said the visit ended with the formal presentation of the medals and trophies to the vice chancellor, symbolising the partnership between NTTF and the university.
According to the statement, the gesture highlights the university’s role in supporting young Nigerian table tennis talents.
It said it also showcased the importance of partnership between educational institutions and sports federations. (NAN)
