The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation has praised Babcock University for its help to the national youth teams before big international competitions, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
On Monday, August 17, 2026, a team from the federation visited the university to give out medals and trophies won by athletes who trained for three weeks there for competitions in Ghana and The Gambia.
The team was led by NTTF Secretary-General Akanmu Olusoji. It also included national coach Idowu Ayodele and four players - Aishat Rabiu, Matthew Fabunmi, Mathew Kuti, and Quadri Atunwon.
The visit aimed to thank the university for providing a place to stay and a good environment that helped the team get ready for the competitions.
Babcock University President, Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, welcomed the delegation. He confirmed that the university is serious about helping young talent, even though it is not mainly a sports-focused institution.
He said Babcock’s belief is to develop the whole person - “the mind, the hands, and the heart.” He was happy that the university’s support led to success for the athletes.
“For the first time in a long time, we provided a home for a few weeks for teenagers being prepared for a championship. And they won. They won many medals,” Ojewole said.
Ojewole also encouraged the athletes to pursue education while they play sports. He introduced Babcock’s Distance E-Learning program as a flexible way for athletes to continue their studies while competing abroad.
He mentioned African table tennis champion Funke Oshonaike, who later earned a degree in Nursing Science, and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who also studied for higher qualifications, including a doctorate. Both athletes balanced sports and education.
Speaking for NTTF President Dr. Adesoji Tayo, Olusoji thanked Babcock and highlighted the need for athletes to focus on their education.
He reminded the players that sports careers do not last forever and encouraged them to gain academic qualifications for their future.
“Sport has an expired age,” Olusoji said. He stressed that education would help the athletes after their playing days are over.
National coach Ayodele praised Babcock’s environment, food, and discipline for the team’s strong preparation. He called the university “part of the success story.”
The team’s performance showed this, with Nigeria winning 13 medals - two gold, three silver, and eight bronze - at the African Youth Championship in Ghana.
Two days later, the team added four more medals at the African Youth Cup, which included one gold, one silver, and two bronze.
Kuti was one of the stars, winning the African Youth Cup after beating the reigning African U-19 champion from Tunisia. He was excited about his success and thanked Babcock for the discipline and support.
Kuti also promised to defend his title next year.
The visit ended with the official presentation of the medals and trophies to Ojewole. This highlighted the growing partnership between NTTF and Babcock University in supporting Nigeria’s young table tennis players.
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