UG STRENGHTEN TIES WITH UI IN BILATERAL GAMES
University of Ghana (UG) and University of Ibadan (UI) have deepened their bilateral relations after another meet at UG from the 11th to 17th November, 2019.
History of Relations
The bilateral relationship which started in 1951, has seen it seeds bear much fruits not only to the advantage of the two institutions but to Ghana, the West African Sub-Region and Africa. This friendly encounter gave birth to the West African University Games (WAUG) in 1965 held at the University of Ibadan (UI) and subsequently the formation of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games in 1973 held in Accra, Ghana.
The Bilateral Relations transcends sports; there have been exchanges among faculties – assessments, student’s thesis, student’s supervision and so on.
Courtesy Call on Vice-Chancellor
Officials of the Sports Directorate and athletes of UG as well as the contingent from UI paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu.
The Head of Delegation for UI, Professor Moronkola Olawale Akanbi introduced other officials and student athletes and read the goodwill message on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor for UI, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka. He mentioned that UI cherishes the tradition and fraternity between both universities. He presented a gift from his Vice-Chancellor to Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana.
Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu in return welcomed the UI delegation to Ghana and the campus of UG. He stated the uniqueness of the Bilateral Relations especially amongst such institutions established in 1948. He indicated a possible Triangular Games which will include University of West Indies in the Caribbean because of the common shared history they have with UG and UI.
Exchange of Best Practices
As part of exchanging best practices amongst universities, a seminar was held under the theme "Role of Tertiary Institutions in the Promotion of Sports Development". Dr. Salami Isiaka Abiodun, Director of Sports at UI, addressing the participants during the seminar as one of the speakers emphasized the symbiotic relationship between academia and sports.
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Director of Sports at UG, speaking on the theme stated that universities are in good positions for investors to build facilities to help nurture athletes.
The Chairman for the occasion Professor Reginald Ocansey, Head of Department Physical Education and Sports Studies at UG in his concluding remarks noted that physical activity forms the bases of sports development education and good health.
Activities and Fun Day
Both Universities engaged in Debate, Football, Squash and Taekwondo. Click here to see results. Officials and students of UI and Team UG had a fun day at the Legon Botanical Gardens on the last day of the visit thrilled with the obstacle courses at the Gardens and happy to have gone through the challenge and scar it came with.
Dinner
The Sports Directorate held a dinner to crown this year’s Bilateral Games. Officials and students were treated to some great Ghanaian and Nigerian music at Yiri Lodge. Gift items were given to Team UI as a token of our friendship.
Please click here to view pictures