By: Owolabi Faith, Rasheed Aishat, Oyeyemi Treasure, Ayodeji Ayomikun
At the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), a quiet revolution is unfolding in the sports scene—one that champions inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and elevates female athletes to national recognition.
While sports on many campuses remain largely male-dominated, UNILORIN’s current student leadership and sports administration are rewriting this narrative with deliberate and impactful steps toward involving more female students in competitive and recreational sporting activities.
Ajewole Joseph Olalekan, the Sports Director of the Student Union, revealed a thoughtful strategy behind the efforts in a recent in-depth interview.
Recognizing earlier on, that many female students were not naturally drawn to competitive sports, the administration pivoted toward activities that better aligned with their interests.
This strategic shift led to the introduction of weekly fitness walks and aerobic sessions, held every Saturday at the university stadium, which involve jogging, dancing, push-ups, and light strength training activities designed not just for fitness but also for community building.
“Many of our ladies enjoy fitness-based activities more than traditional sports,” the Director shared. “These programmes have helped increase their participation significantly.”
Building on this momentum, the university’s efforts extend far beyond fitness routines. UNILORIN is home to a variety of active female sports teams across multiple disciplines.
Among the standout teams is the Growing Warriors, the university’s female football team. Having existed long before the current administration, the team has built a strong legacy, recently winning the 2023/2024 Association of Football Academies of Nigeria League title.
Their success is a testament to the university’s commitment to nurturing female talents. The university also boasts an incredibly active female basketball team that trains consistently and competes at high levels.
Judo, badminton, tennis, and even lesser-known sports such as squash and cricket are all represented by female athletes. These women are not just campus celebrities; they are national champions representing Nigeria in international competitions.
One such trailblazer is Obanisola Sofiat, a UNILORIN student who represented Nigeria at the 2024 All-African Games in Ghana in badminton. Her achievement highlights the importance of addressing cultural and religious sensitivities—a cornerstone of the university’s inclusive approach.
Recognizing that traditional sports attire can be a barrier, especially for Muslim students, the administration permits sportswear that aligns with modesty standards, allowing long, breathable clothing and hijabs, thereby ensuring that no student is excluded based on how they choose to dress.
“We understand and respect the cultural values of our students, and we’ve made adjustments so they can participate without compromising their beliefs,” the Sports Director explained.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Access to sports facilities and equipment is officially open to both male and female students; however, due to limited awareness or reluctance to request access, female students sometimes miss out.
To address this issue, the university has implemented digital platforms where female students can interact directly with sports coaches, thereby making engagement less intimidating. “When female students see other women engaging freely with coaches, it gives them the confidence to step forward,” he said.
The partnership between the Student Union and the university’s Sports Unit has been fruitful, but the Director admits that more can still be done. “There’s no formal policy yet that mandates female participation or promotes it aggressively, but that is something we hope to develop,” he stated.
As UNILORIN continues to evolve its sports culture, the metrics for progress are clear: increased frequency of training, growing visibility of female competitions, and a shift from monthly training sessions to weekly or more frequent practices. Events such as the Freshers’ Cup have begun to feature female categories in football, track events, and board games like chess and Scrabble.
This evolving sports culture is a blueprint for other Nigerian institutions. By blending sensitivity to cultural values with practical opportunities for engagement, and by giving female students platforms to showcase their talents, the university is gradually changing the narrative. Female athletes at UNILORIN are proving that, given the right environment, they can achieve excellence and inspire future generations.
The future looks promising, with a shared hope that every student, regardless of gender, will know that sports are for them, too. And with the pace and passion shown so far, that future seems not only possible but inevitable.
