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The Vice-Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, has credited the Institution’s triumph at the maiden Bago Intercollegiate Sports Festival to discipline, preparation, and collective commitment, declaring that the victory marks the beginning of a bigger sporting ambition.
“Champions son’t quit, they prepare for the next battle,” says IBBUL Vice-Chancellor
Speaking after the competition, he affirmed, “We are winners, so we are not going to quit. We are taking the challenge, and we are going to make the second edition the best ever.”
He stressed that the University would immediately begin preparations to correct technical gaps observed in the maiden edition, adding, “If you are going to be successful in any journey, you must have a timeline. By next year, all the technical problems encountered in this first competition will be addressed, by the special grace of God.”
While celebrating the trophy, the Vice-Chancellor insisted the success belonged to all institutions, noting, “Everybody that participated is a winner. But we thank God we emerged overall winners. It is also a wake-up call, because once you are at the top, it is always difficult to remain there.”
He praised the Sports Directorate for steering the team to success despite challenges and reaffirmed the University’s resolve to sustain its champion status through continuous preparation and investment in talent development.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Alhaji Danjuma Abdul Masu, commended the success of the week-long festival and applauded the state government’s commitment to sports development.
He stated, “Let us congratulate ourselves and also applaud the Governor of Niger State. We have successfully hosted a seven-day event marked by excellence, dedication, hard work, and courage.”
Providing statistics of participation, he added, “A total of 13 institutions registered, with 11 participating. Out of these, IBB University, Lapai topped the medal table with 15 gold, 10 silver, and 10 bronze medals.”
He further announced that the Institution would host the next edition, declaring, “By the special grace of God, the second edition of the Bago Intercollegiate Sports Festival will be hosted by IBB University, Lapai next year, Insha’Allah.”
In his remarks, the Director of Sports of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Professor Aliyu Muhammad, described the victory as a collective achievement that goes beyond medals and scoreboards.
According to him, “We want to thank God for everything. The winners are not only the athletes the coaches, the officials, but the entire team”
He emphasized that the spirit of sports lies not only in victory but in participation and character, stressing, “This kind of competition is not just about winning. Participation itself is part of our sporting ethics and values.”
Professor Aliyu noted that the performance across different events has strengthened confidence ahead of the next edition, adding that the team’s conduct off the field was equally commendable.
“Our students were well behaved, disciplined, and conducted themselves properly throughout the games. That alone makes the University community proud,” he said.
He revealed that preparations for the future would begin immediately, assuring that the Sports Directorate would continue to build on the success.
“By the grace of God, we will keep working this year and next year to ensure our students continue to give their best,”he declared
The Director also disclosed that the Vice-Chancellor has promised to host the contingent to a special dinner in recognition of their efforts, a gesture he said would further boost the morale within the team.
He concluded by appreciating the University Management for its support, noting, “The Management stood by us. It supported us and provided what we needed. We are confident they will continue to invest more in our facilities and sports development.”
With victory secured, hosting rights confirmed, and institutional backing assured, IBBUL’s sports story is no longer just about one successful outing, it is about building a lasting culture of champions.