Ayobami Atanda

“As long as one remains determined, disciplined, and organized such that he doesn’t allow his love of sports to make him lose sight of academics, balancing both sports and studies guarantees a more wholesome schooling experience.

And I believe no one should let their fears stop them from leading wholesome lifestyles.” — Agbetuyi John Oluwatimilehin (Papi). 

Academic activities suffocate other activities at the University of Ibadan and sports are one of the major recipients of the suffocation. The former Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, in his speech during the convocation ceremonies in 2020, said, “In UI, even if you want to fail, you still have to read.” The erstwhile VC’s statement, which has now become a maxim, is a revelation of the rigorous academic activities that the students go through in the institution. Balancing extracurricular activities with academics is a herculean task, as students struggle to attend a crop of classes each day, read bulky slides and materials, prepare to sit tests and examinations, do extensive research, and engage in critical and exhaustive assignments given from time to time, amidst others.  

Sporting activities in UI are underestimated. While the students’ bodies in the departments, faculties, and the students’ union always organize sports competitions, there is often a low turnout. Except for football, male football per se, no category of sports in the school has prestige due to the indifference of the large percentage of the student populace. Over the years, there has been no balance between female and male football competitions. Most of the time, while the male teams play 11-a-side football matches, the female teams play 5-a-side football matches, and most times, some of the female teams refuse to show up for matches. 

UI, in no small measure, takes a giant stride in academics: no exaggeration intended. And this is known throughout Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. Its records of success are recurring, in the past, present, and in the foreseeable future. Counting the number of people who have turned the world upside down who graduated from the school is like counting the sand of the sea. However, when it comes to sporting activities, the UI takes a back seat among its contemporaries. There have been no Asisat Oshoalas, Tobi Amusans, and others in years. The reason for the lack of depth in producing the world’s superstars in sports boils down to how academic stress stifles other activities. Therefore, many students refuse to dabble in sports in order not to jeopardize their academic goals.  

Agbetuyi John Oluwatimilehin, prominently known as Papi by sports enthusiasts in UI, is one of the best players in the school, yet he maintains a good academic grade. Papi plays for Plato Academy (Department of Philosophy Football Team), where he plays as a striker. He has won virtually all the football tournaments he played in UI including SEALS Cup, Deans Cups, and others. He is in the Association of Faculty of Arts Students (AFAS) team and UI team. 

When interviewed by the NASELS Sports, Papi stated how he balanced his sports activities with academics. “Every time I get asked this question I think of the same answer at first ‘I don’t know’. But I think being determined ahead of the year to not let one passion or ambition derail the other is important. Knowing that no matter how much I’m enjoying the training sessions and matches, I must not let it come at the expense of my grades keeps me grounded.” 

“As long as one remains determined, disciplined, and organized such that he doesn’t allow his love of sports to make him lose sight of academics, balancing both sports and studies guarantees a more wholesome schooling experience.

And I believe no one should let their fears stop them from leading wholesome lifestyles.”

“I’ve always loved football and growing up I could play for hours even on my own and I think that played a major role in my development as a player over the years. So, when I gained admission into UI I knew what sport I was going to try to make a name for myself with. Also, I’ve been fortunate to play with the best football team in UI. With a fantastic team like Plato Academy, it’s hard not to be successful.”

Regarded as the most prolific in the striking position at UI, Papi is a testament to the fact that balancing academics with sporting activities is not detrimental to one’s academic goal. However, to achieve the duo, one has to be determined to succeed. None should be alternatively forgone. While the ultimate goal of a student is their academics, it is germane to keep the body fit, which can consequently lead to another career path if well utilized. Nonetheless, combining both guarantees a more wholesome school experience.