Nigeria’s leading rugby motivator, Obong Ntiense Williams has showered a spree of accolades on Wellspring University, Benin City for adopting activities for the gritty sport at their institution, Sports247 reports.
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Williams also expressed awe in how the university set a lofty example for other higher institutions across the country to follow by officially introducing activities of Rugby Football Union into their curriculum.
He added that, in doing so, Wellspring becomes the first university in Edo State to adopt the sport and expressed optimism that the innovation will lead to more benefits in days to come.
He also expressed sheer delight with how high-level officials of the university received him and members of Edo State Rugby Team in a historic delegation that also included five professional rugby coaches from Lagos.
Williams, who is fondly called ‘Mr Rugby,’ also thanked the university’s management, led by their vice-chancellor, Professor Isaac Rotimi Ajayi; the registrar, Dr. Mrs. Helen Uzezi Wara; and sports director, Dr. Onuh Matthew Udaya, for how they welcomed the delegation, even as he expressed enthusiasm for a successful operation of the new programme.
Ntiense added, “This development is timely. It means the university will participate in the upcoming National Universities Games (NUGA) later this year, where rugby is a medal-winning event.
“The introduction of rugby is also expected to enhance sports development and promote teamwork among Wellspring’s students.”
He further disclosed that the visit by officials of Edo State rugby team’ was a follow-up to the involvement of Lagos-based Wellspring College in demonstrating growing interest in the sport among students at various levels of academics in Nigeria.
Williams concluded, “This initiative positions Wellspring University as a pioneer in rugby development in Edo State, which is a hub for rugby development in Nigeria.
“Last year, in recognition of the remarkable strides and achievements recorded by the state in the sport, an official approval was granted by the Ministry of Education to formally introduce rugby in 15 secondary schools.
“It was a pilot programme of integrating rugby into the school sports system. This has been the result of our “Catch Them Young Rugby Initiative,’ which we planted since 2012 in Edo State.
“This led to consecutive gold medal wins at the National U-15 Youth Games and beyond. The EYOTO Sports Academy also endorsed rugby as a development focus and sponsored a championship, which enters its second edition this year.”
