The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi has inaugurated a high-powered committee to develop and produce blueprints for sustainable sports development in the University. The inauguration of the Committee which comprised of notable and accomplished sports professionals from within and outside the University took place during the weekly meeting of the Principal Officers Committee (POC) on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 in the Vice-Chancellor's Board Room. 

In his opening remarks while inaugurating the ad-hoc committee, the Vice-Chancellor charged the members to come up with a workable policy document that will guide the University towards accelerated sports development and ensure a more robust and formidable outing in subsequent sports competitions outside the Institution, such as the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) and other inter-university games.

Professor Akinwumi, while highlighting the important role of sports and the attendant benefits, informed the Committee of his Administration's commitment to sports growth in the University, adding that efforts were underway for the upgrade of the Sports Unit into a full-fledged Directorate, construction of a standard gym center for indoor games, amongst other ongoing notable projects that are geared towards the growth and development of sports in FUL.

The sport-loving Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that measures were being put in place towards reinvigorating the University's inter-faculty sports competition that would help in discovering talented young players that will represent FUL well in all games as well as win medals for the University. In addition, Professor Akinwumi noted that these sports festivals and local Olympic games that the University would be hosting, will serve as a breeding ground for talents in the area of sports that will go side by side with studies, and discourage the students from social vices.

He thanked members of the Committee for accepting to serve and bringing their wealth of experience to bear on this onerous task while promising to give all the needed support and ensure speedy implementation of the recommendations by the University Sports Council as soon as the report is submitted.

In his reaction, the Chairman of the Committee and Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Mr E.D. Obafemi pledged their unflinching commitment to the success of the assignment for the advancement of sports in the Institution. The renowned FIFA-rated and internationally recognized referee, who is also a former Registrar, University of Ilorin, expressed gratitude to the University Management under the able leadership of Professor Akinwumi for the confidence reposed in them.

Other members of the Committee include Professor Usman Shaibu, Mr Bayo Ilori, Mr Shamaki Nuhu, Mr Ibrahim Adams, Mr Balogun Christopher, Mr Sirajo Yusuf, Mr Nda Sule Okeme, and Mrs Toluhi Omolade.

The Committee is expected to submit its report and recommendations for effective and efficient sports activities in the University to the Vice-Chancellor within five (5) weeks.