The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) is set to introduce a comprehensive sports policy aimed at making sports sustainable, profitable, and balanced with academics. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Ekong, disclosed this during a press briefing in Uyo, stating that the policy would benefit both students and the university. Ekong emphasized that his administration wants to institutionalize sports as a deliberate policy, rather than intervening superficially. The policy is expected to provide a framework for sports development in the institution.
According to Ekong, the university wants to move beyond just supporting sports superficially, but to create a sustainable and profitable sports system. He cited an example of sponsoring students to play football in the United States, saying that without a policy, the university would not have the funds to support such endeavors. Ekong stressed that sports in the university must be sustainable and allow student-athletes to combine education and sports effectively. This, he believes, would enable students to balance their academic and sports pursuits.
Ekong expressed concern about some lecturers misunderstanding sports and promoting academic laxity among athletes. He noted that such attitudes could undermine the students' potential and hinder their progress. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the new sports policy would address these issues and ensure that athletes receive the support they need to excel in both academics and sports. He also highlighted the importance of having a policy that everyone buys into.
The new sports policy being worked on would provide facilities that reinforce the dual importance of education and sports. Ekong stated that the policy would instill in athletes the mindset that they could progress to represent the country in international competitions. He emphasized that the university wants to create a culture that encourages students to pursue sports while also prioritizing their education. This, he believes, would help students to achieve their full potential.
Ekong disclosed that the university does not have all the funds required to build the needed sports infrastructure. To address this, the university plans to collaborate with development agencies to achieve its goals. He revealed that the South-South Development Commission had visited the university two weeks prior and provided a template for intervention. This partnership is expected to help the university to develop its sports infrastructure.
The Vice Chancellor assured that when the sports policy is unveiled, it would be comprehensive and commendable. He stated that the university is working on the document and needs to finalize it before taking further action. Ekong expressed confidence that the policy would be a game-changer for sports development in the university. He emphasized that the university is committed to creating a sustainable and profitable sports system.
The introduction of the new sports policy is expected to have a positive impact on sports development in the University of Uyo. With a comprehensive policy in place, the university aims to create a culture that encourages students to pursue sports while also prioritizing their education. Key aspects of the policy include providing facilities that support both education and sports, instilling a growth mindset in athletes, and collaborating with development agencies to develop sports infrastructure.
Key points
- University of Uyo to introduce a comprehensive sports policy to drive sustainability and profitability in sports.
- The policy aims to provide a framework for sports development, balancing academics and sports.
- The university plans to collaborate with development agencies to develop its sports infrastructure.
