The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has concluded arrangements to build a world-class swimming pool at the University of Ilorin at the cost of N1billion to facilitate the hosting of the National Youth Games and for infrastructural development on the University campus.
The news was conveyed to the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, by the Director of Grassroots Sports Development in the Ministry, Dr. Ademola Are, when he visited the University to discuss the plans to host the 6th National Youth Games at the institution.
Apart from the maiden edition of the games, the last four editions were hosted by the University of Ilorin that is now popularly called the home of the National Youth Games.
Are explained that the cost of the swimming pool has been included in the 2021 budget, noting that the Ministry is committed to improving sporting facilities at the University of Ilorin. He added that the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare extends his warm appreciation and greetings to the University.
The Director disclosed that this year's edition of the Youth Games has been fixed for the end of November 2020 subject to the approval of the Vice-Chancellor.
According to Are, the games has been delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic while explaining that the sporting activities have been trimmed from 34 to 14 to avoid contact games that could further spread the COVID-19 virus.
He expressed delight at the infrastructural development that has taken place on the campus since the last time the games held in the University, attributing it to the forthright leadership of the Vice-Chancellor.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulkareem, expressed his delight that the University has become synonymous with the National Youth Games.
Prof. Abdulkareem thanked the Ministry for having the institution in mind to have made budgetary provisions for the construction of a standard swimming pool on its campus.
The Vice-Chancellor told the Director that the proposed date for holding the Youth Games was okay by the University provided it does not coincide with students' examination. He added that it is a great joy for the University to host young people from every state of the federation.
Are was accompanied on the visit by the Abia State Director of Sports, Sir Isaac O. Isaac, and the Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Council, Mr. Orire Emmanuel
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