Ex-UI Footballers’ 5-Aside Astro Turf Project Will Revolutionize Sports at Premier University — Bolade Adesokan

 Renowned marketing communication expert, Bolade Adesokan, has hailed the ongoing 5-aside astro turf football pitch project spearheaded by the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EX-UIFA) as a game-changer for sports development at Nigeria’s premier university.

Speaking as the Guest of the Month during the Association’s virtual personality programme, Adesokan described the initiative as “massive and beneficial”, not just to the University of Ibadan community, but to the wider sporting landscape in Nigerian higher institutions.

“This project is unprecedented. I may not have visited all the universities in Nigeria, but I can confidently say this will be the first of its kind in the southwest,” he stated.

Adesokan, a proud alumnus of the University of Ibadan’s Department of Language Arts (Class of 2000), underscored the uniqueness of the project, noting that while some institutions have standard pitches, the dedicated five-a-side astro turf model is a pioneering venture within the Nigerian university system.

“I know that Leeds University has a big pitch, but it’s not a five-a-side. This particular project stands out. It has the potential to attract patronage from young people, encourage competitive play, and stimulate other sporting investments within the institution,” he explained.

Drawing from his personal experience, Adesokan reminisced about the vibrant football culture during his undergraduate days, particularly the popular “Sunday-Sunday sets” played on the second pitch behind the Faculty of Arts.

“Those games attracted players from outside the university. It was always exciting. That same spirit can be revived — and even enhanced — with this five-a-side pitch. It will create a ripple effect in terms of sporting activities, youth engagement, and possibly even corporate sponsorships,” he added.

He emphasized that the project is not just about building a football pitch but about laying the groundwork for a broader sports ecosystem in the University of Ibadan.

“Once the pitch comes alive, other opportunities for sports development will follow. This is how legacies are built,” he stated.

Adesokan concluded by extending a call to partners both within and beyond the university community to help actualise the vision: ‘'We call on every individual and organization connected to the University of Ibadan to join us as partners and help bring this vision to life.’'

The EX-UIFA 5-aside pitch project has already gained attention as an alumni-led initiative driven by a passion to give back to the university while promoting sports, wellness, and community engagement.

As efforts to raise funds and mobilize support continue, Adesokan’s endorsement is expected to encourage both internal stakeholders and external corporate bodies to rally behind the project.