The Vice Chancellor, University of Ilesa, Osun State, Taiwo Asaolu, has emphasised the importance of collaboration between the University and sports enthusiasts, sports Federations and corporate organisations to revamp the moribund University’s sports centre and facilities.
He noted that this expected synergy would enable the institution to make proper use of its sports infrastructure for positive results.
Asaolu made this declaration during a courtesy visit to the institution by the Nigeria Chess Federation team led by its Vice President, Prince Adeyinka Adewole
Represented at the event by the Director CEP, Ojo Aduroja, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the University’s commitment to academic excellence and extracurricular activities, including sports, while noting that the University has invested heavily in sports development by providing facilities for various sports such as football, handball, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, judo and more.
Asaolu specifically made reference to the University’s 18-hole Golf Course which he described as a unique facility that has started attracting golf enthusiasts from far and near, expressing optimism that similar interest could be generated in other sports, including chess.
The VC appreciated the visit by the Chess Federation team, stating that it would significantly boost Chess development in the University, while assuring the institution’s continued support in promoting Chess within the University community.
Describing chess as a game renowned for cultivating strategic thinking, adaptability and resilience, the Vice Chancellor also highlighted the game’s benefits in enhancing cognitive skills like concentration, memory and problems solving which are germain to one’s day to day existence.
The Nigeria Chess Federation team, through its Vice President, Adewole and FIDE Vice President, International Arbiter, Lekan Adeyemi expressed their gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for the warm reception and pledged to work closely with the University to promote chess among students and staff.
They described the visit as a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between the University of Ilesa and the Nigeria Chess Federation, with potential benefits for both parties.
A statement by Babatunde Fanawopo on Thursday revealed that highlights of the visit were simultaneous exhibition of chess with the Vice President of the NCF and the presentation of 5 chess sets and 25 tournament shirts to the University of Ilesa by the Nigeria Chess Federation.
It noted that the University of Ilesa’s commitment to sports development and its potential collaboration with the Nigeria Chess Federation are expected to yield positive outcomes for the institution and the wider community.