The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olapegba, has charged delegates to the UI and University of Ghana Bilateral Games to allow the spirit of the games to extend beyond the sportsfield.
Olapegba spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, while receiving the leaders of the delegation from the University of Ghana, participants of the bilateral games and officials of the University Sports Council during a courtesy visit.
The DVC noted that the University of Ibadan and the University of Ghana share a similar history and year of foundation, saying that the delegates have, therefore, not come to visit the University of Ibadan but have come home.
Olapegba, who stated that sports iswonderful because of its unifying factor, encouraged the participants to explore the University’s tourist centres, such as the Zoological and Botanical Gardens and other areas outside the campus.
The Chairman of the UI Sports Council, Professor M. A. Ajayi said hosting the bilateral games is a great thing, adding that the two universities have been interacting to showcase what sports stand for.
He explained that the bilateral games had been held for many years because sports, more than religion, are the opium of the masses.
According to him, bilateral games promote theexchange of cultural values and provide a leeway for introducing a new context of sport in the two universities.
Ajayi explained that other universities that are not involved in the bilateral games are getting agitated to know the dynamics and collaboration between the two universities.
The leader of the delegates and Director of Sports, University of Ghana, Dr Bella Bello Bitugu, said the development of the relationship between the two universities from sports to research areas is amazing.
He stated that bilateral games are not seen as a competition but fraternity.
