NTTF lauds Babcock for table tennis support

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation has commended Babcock University for supporting the national youth teams ahead of major international competitions, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

A delegation from the federation visited the university on Monday, August 17, 2026, to present medals and trophies won by athletes who spent three weeks at the institution preparing for championships in Ghana and The Gambia.

Led by NTTF Secretary-General Akanmu Olusoji, the delegation included national coach Idowu Ayodele and four players — Aishat Rabiu, Matthew Fabunmi, Mathew Kuti and Quadri Atunwon.

The visit was aimed at appreciating the university for providing accommodation and a conducive environment that helped the team prepare for the competitions.

Receiving the delegation, Babcock University President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent despite not being primarily a sports-focused university.

He explained that Babcock’s philosophy is to develop the whole person — “the mind, the hands and the heart” — and expressed delight that the university’s support had translated into 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.

Beyond celebrating their achievements, Ojewole urged the athletes to pursue education alongside their sporting careers.

He introduced Babcock’s Distance E-Learning programme as a flexible option that would enable athletes to continue their studies while competing internationally.

He cited African table tennis champion Funke Oshonaike, who later earned a degree in Nursing Science, and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who pursued higher academic qualifications, including a doctorate, as examples of athletes who combined sporting careers with education.

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Speaking on behalf of NTTF President Dr Adesoji Tayo, Olusoji expressed the federation’s appreciation to Babcock and stressed the importance of education for athletes.

He reminded the players that sporting careers are not permanent and urged them to acquire academic qualifications that would sustain them after retirement.

“Sport has an expired age,” Olusoji said, stressing that education would provide the athletes with opportunities beyond their playing careers.

National coach Ayodele also credited Babcock’s environment, food and discipline for the team’s strong preparation, describing the university as “part of the success story.”

The team’s performance underscored his assessment, 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, comprising one gold, one silver and two bronze.

One of the standout performances came from Kuti, who won the African Youth Cup after defeating the reigning African U-19 champion from Tunisia.

Kuti expressed delight at the achievement and praised Babcock for providing the discipline and support that contributed to his success. He also vowed to defend his title next year.

The visit ended with the formal presentation of the medals and trophies to Ojewole, highlighting the growing partnership between NTTF and Babcock University in supporting Nigeria’s young table tennis talents.