By Tajudeen Babamale and Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has appreciated Moniepoint for selecting the institution as one of the hosts and participants at the maiden edition of the Monieball 5-a-side football tournament.
Prof. Egbewole gave the commendation last Wednesday (October 8, 2025) when he received officials of the UNILORIN Sports Council, the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), Monieball, and Moniepoint, who visited him ahead of the preliminary stage of the competition that took place at the University last week.
Speaking through the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Vice Chancellor commended the collaborative efforts between the University and Moniepoint, describing it as a step towards strengthening the institution’s long-standing commitment to sports development. He reaffirmed the University’s readiness to work closely with the sponsors and ensure the successful hosting of the event.
The Vice Chancellor also lauded the Director of Sports, Prof. Tajudeen Ibraheem, for his dedication and outstanding contributions, which have continued to attract corporate sponsorships to the University. He noted that the administration has great confidence in Prof. Ibraheem’s capability and resilience to deliver exceptional results.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Sports, Prof. Ibraheem, announced that out of more than 300 universities in Nigeria, the University of Ilorin and seven others were selected by the sponsors to participate in the maiden edition of the Monieball 5-a-side football tournament.
He explained that the inclusion of UNILORIN was based on its impressive records in university sports, especially in football, which has earned the institution recognition at national and international levels.
Prof. Ibraheem further noted that the University was not only chosen as a participant but also as one of the hosts of the preliminary stage of the competition, a recognition of its excellent sports facilities and organisational capabilities.
The Director also explained that the 5-a-side football tournament was coordinated under three key bodies: the parent body for university sports, the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA); the sponsor, Moniepoint, which funds the 5-a-side football competition; and Monieball, the implementing partner overseeing the tournament.
In his remarks, the NUGA Technical Chairman, Prof. Musa Garba Yakasai, praised the University for its consistency in maintaining high standards in sports. He explained that UNILORIN is the only University from Northern Nigeria selected among the eight participating institutions, a development that underscores its enviable reputation and sporting excellence.
Also speaking, the Kwara State Coordinator of Moniepoint, Mr Olajide Baruwa, said the tournament provides an opportunity for the company to enhance its brand visibility within the University community and to strengthen its partnership with UNILORIN for mutual benefit.
Mr Baruwa added that the Monieball 5-a-side football tournament was aimed at promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and student engagement while fostering collaboration between the private sector and Nigerian universities in the development of campus sports.
