The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, FAS, mni, has solicited the assistance of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) towards the establishment of a Football Academy in the University.
Professor Adebowale who made the appeal during a courtesy visit by a 5-man delegation of FIFA to his office said he would love to leave the Football Academy as one of the legacies of his administration.
He stated that the Football Academy would be very useful to UI as well as Nigeria as a country. He noted that FIFA as an international organisation has more influence and is thus better placed to help make the Football Academy, a reality.
The Vice-Chancellor also called for collaboration with FIFA in Sports Science and Medicine.
The leader of the FIFA team, Mr Solomon Mudege, a member of the Association Division of FIFA said his organisation was always ready to encourage development programmes to advance Football in Africa.
He said this explains why FIFA is cooperating with the Pan African University to promote its Sports Management programme.
The FIFA delegation was in UI to facilitate a workshop for the MSc. Sports Management students of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, University of Ibadan and Postgraduate students of Sports Science.
On the FIFA delegation were Mrs Fatou Binetou Ba, a FIFA consultant; Dr Nonhlanhla Mkumbuzi, a FIFA consultant; the Director of PAULESI, Professor Esther T. Akinlabi; HOD Human Kinetics/ Programme coordinator, Professor O. A. Adegbesan; Deputy Director of PAULESI, Dr M.A. Oladunjoye; Engr O. Okewale, ICT Officer and Mr K. A. Osunlana, Admin Officer at PAULESI.
Present with the Vice-Chancellor were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor E.O. Ayoola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju; Dean of Education, Prof O. A. Fakolade; Dean of Students, Professor I. A. Abiona; Deputy Registrar in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mrs Morenike Afolabi and the PAR/ PRO, Mrs Adejoke Akinpelu.
