In conformity with the vision and mission of the Founder and President Emeritus of the University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, to make Afe Babalola University a world- class education centre in sports, the University Sports facilities are being developed with a grand design and master plan. Even before the grant of licence to the University by the National Universities Commission (NUC) various sporting facilities such as the Basket Ball Court, the Volley Ball, Football pitch, Lawn Tennis Court and Tennis Hitting Wall were already developed. The state of readiness of the sporting facilities in the University was part of the reasons why the NUC, during its first visit to the University, described it as a miracle. More sporting facilities have since been developed for both indoor and outdoor games with all equipment made available for maximal utilisation. The University has constructed a standard swimming pool that is comparable only to the best pools in the world. These facilities can be found at the state of the art building called Talent Discovery Centre – TDC where over 35 different games and fitness centre are located. You cannot but visit the Talent Discovery Centre anytime you are in the University.
There is also established a Directorate of Sports for the University which has been charged with the responsibility to develop sporting activities in the University to the highest attainable standards. The Director of Sports and the team of coaches have worked so hard to elicit the interest of all students in active participation in sports. Sports is in the main stream of the University curriculum and it is compulsory for each student to participate in at least one sport or recreational activity. In less than one year the University has already established five Sports Clubs, namely Football Club: male and female, Athletics Club: male and female, Volley ball Club: male and female, Tennis Club: male and female and Handball Club: male and female.
These teams participate in different competitions and friendly games. For example, the University Basketball team defeated the much revered Ekiti State Basketball Team in a friendly match played recently on campus. The University also organises Inter College Sports Competitions. There are President’s Trophies to be worn in these sports, especially in football competitions where two successful editions have been organised by the University. The University is presently working out modalities for the participation of the students in national and international competitions like the West African University Games (WAUG) and Nigerian University Games (NUGA). We participated and came second (2nd) in the last Nigeria Private University Games (NPUGA) while the hosting right of the next edition has been granted the University which is scheduled to hold in December, 2015.
There are also arrangements for staff participation in sports. All staff members are encouraged by the University to actively participate in sports. Arrangements have been made by the University with the Ekiti Gulf Club for the training of staff members in gulf.
Apart from practical participation in sports all students in the University are taught two important sports related courses: Fitness for Life and Health Awareness Education. Through these courses the University ensures that all students are physically fit irrespective of their discipline, a culture they are encouraged to carry through their life-time.
List of Staff
Prof. M. O. Ajisafe, Professor of Sports Science – Director of Sports
Dr. I A Salami B.Sc. M.Sc. Ph.D- Chief Coach
Mr. B. Diyaolu B.Sc 21; M.Sc.- Coach
Mr. Toba Bamitale: B.Sc. M.Sc – Coach
There are also contract assistant coaches who are hired from time to time as occasions demand.
Proximity and Participation
The University houses all its students and staff on campus. This makes it possible for all students and staff to participate in sporting activities. The Sports festivals of the University are usually organised with this in mind with other side attractions which encourage the staff to attend with the members of their families. The sports facilities are also strategically located within walking distances.
The University is going places with sports. It is one of the visions of the founder to make the University a centre of excellence in sports in Nigeria. Even an average student who distinguishes himself or herself in sports can be awarded the University Scholarship just on the basis of that.
