The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships of the University of Ibadan, Professor Simisola Oluwatoyin Akintola, has lauded members of the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers' Association for its contributions to the development of sports in the university.

She gave this commendation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, during a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice-Chancellor by the association.

Professor Akintola asserted that sports is central to institutional development. She, therefore, appreciated the association for inspiring the coming generation through its projects and schemes.

She congratulated the association on the celebration of its 11th year anniversary which would be commemorated with friendly football matches and gala night, while urging them to do more in contributing to the world outlook of the University of Ibadan.

The Chairman of the University of Ibadan Sports Council, Professor M.A. Ajayi, while acknowledging members as worthy ambassadors of the university, disclosed that benefactions from the association, particularly in terms of facility upgrade, have been unprecedented.

Dr Isiaka A. Salami, a former UI Director of Sports who spoke on behalf of the association disclosed that the University of Ibadan molded members to be who there are today, adding that this lays credence to their commitment to sports development in the university.

He appreciated the university management for its support and disclosed that the association would be facilitating the training of two hundred students in Information Technology as part of its continued support to building the capacity of UI students.