FUOYE’s Rise in University Sports
Professor Abayomi Fasina assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on 11 February 2021. Since taking on this role, he has undertaken a herculean task in elevating the university’s reputation. Under his leadership, FUOYE has witnessed remarkable growth in academic excellence, staff development, quality infrastructure, and the transformation of a previously overlooked institution into one that competes on a global scale. His administration has also significantly advanced FUOYE’s sports development, both technically and structurally. From grassroots initiatives to participation in major tournaments, the university has cultivated a culture of sporting excellence. A notable example is FUOYE’s participation in the All-African University Games.
With over 43,000 students across multiple campuses, FUOYE’s sporting activities serve as a unifying force, fostering school pride and community engagement. The FUOYE Sports Festival is a testament to this growth, bringing together student-athletes, coaches, and supporters in a celebration of talent and competitiveness.
2. Notable Achievements
FUOYE has made significant strides in university sports, competing in national and regional tournaments. Some of the standout moments include:
Football:
FUOYE’s football team has consistently excelled in inter-university competitions, producing top players who have secured trials with professional clubs. Notably, a recent graduate from FUOYE’s Department of Human Kinetics has been signed by a Nigerian National League side, Sporting Lagos.
1. Winning the South-West University Games in 2022, captained by Adebayo Toheeb, a Geophysics student.
2. Finishing second as the youngest university to participate in the Higher Institution Football League (HIFL) in 2022, attracting many students to FUOYE.
3. Securing third place in the All-African University Games—FUOYE’s best footballing achievement to date—under the leadership of Professor Abayomi Fasina.
Basketball, Volleyball, and Handball:
FUOYE’s teams have demonstrated resilience in past Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) competitions, delivering impressive performances against established sporting institutions.
Athletics:
The university has consistently produced medallists in sprint and long-distance races in every competition it has participated in under the leadership of Professor Fasina.
Indoor Games:
FUOYE students have represented the university in intellectual sports such as chess and scrabble, proving that mental agility is also a strength of the institution.
3. Profiles of FUOYE Athletes
To showcase FUOYE’s sporting talent, here are some standout athletes:
Lawani Clinton (Football – Goalkeeper) – Human Kinetics / Recent Graduate
– Won silverware in major competitions listed above.
– Currently playing for a National League club in Lagos, Sporting Lagos.
– Selected for trials with a Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) club.
– Led his faculty to victory in the 2024 Inter-Faculty Games.
Chisom Eze (Basketball – Shooting Guard) – Business Administration / 400 Level
– MVP of the last inter-faculty basketball tournament.
– Led FUOYE to a semi-final appearance in the Ekiti State university basketball competition.
– Aspires to secure a basketball scholarship abroad and play professionally.
Babalola Opeyemi (Athletics – 100m, 4x400m Relay) – 400 Level / Mass Communication
– Gold medallist in the 100m sprint at the last Nigerian University Games.
– Represented FUOYE in the NUGA Games, finishing in the top three in the relay race.
– Currently competing in Canada.
Aremu Promise (Athletics – Sprint) – 300 Level / Computer Science
– Gold medallist in the 100m at SOWEGA, WAUG, and FASU competitions.
– Holds the record for the fastest time in the history of the All-African University Games, clocking 10.70 seconds.
– Currently based in Qatar.
FUOYE has actively participated in external competitions, solidifying its reputation as a competitive institution in university sports. The university has sent athletes to the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) events, competing against top universities across the continent. FUOYE’s performance in NUGA has positioned it as an emerging powerhouse in Nigerian university sports. Additionally, the institution has taken part in state and regional sporting events, further enhancing its standing.
These external competitions provide a platform for FUOYE’s athletes to gain exposure, attract scholarships, and transition into professional sports. Through the leadership of Professor Abayomi Fasina, FUOYE Sports has achieved remarkable recognition, cementing its place on the global stage.