Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, reaffirmed its commitment to holistic education and student development as the third edition of its flagship sporting event, the Vice-Chancellor’s Games, ended in grand style, with the Department of International Relations and Political Science emerging overall champions.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Games 3.0, widely regarded as the largest and most anticipated sporting event on the university’s calendar, was held between November 21 and December 5, 2025.
The competition attracted students, staff and members of the university community, who participated in weeks of intense competition, camaraderie and celebration.
The Games commenced with a colourful opening ceremony on November 21, during which the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, formally declared the tournament open. His symbolic penalty kick, greeted with loud cheers from spectators, set the tone for what turned out to be one of the most competitive and memorable editions of the Games.
Participation across departments increased significantly during the competition, with stronger rivalries, improved organisation and heightened enthusiasm reinforcing the Vice-Chancellor’s Games as a major tradition in the university’s sporting culture.
The closing day featured exciting finals, a student funfair, fireworks and an after-party, creating what many students described as an unforgettable experience.
Speaking during the Games, Prof. Asikhia reiterated the university’s belief in sports as a tool for unity, discipline and character development.
He noted that Caleb University remains committed to producing graduates who are mentally, physically and socially balanced. Organisers said his consistent presence and support inspired the high level of participation recorded among students and staff.
The university leadership also acknowledged the support of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Sunday Adewale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Prof. Adesola Ajayi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration).
Their administrative backing contributed significantly to the successful organisation of the Games.
Management staff, Deans, Heads of Departments and Directors were also commended for creating the flexibility that enabled students to participate actively while maintaining academic commitments.
The 2025 edition featured one of the widest arrays of sporting activities since the inception of the Games. Events included football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, athletics, long jump, high jump, tug of war and various board games. All events were officiated by professional referees and certified officials invited from outside the university to ensure fairness and transparency.
One of the defining moments of the tournament was the men’s football final between the Departments of Business Administration and International Relations/Political Science. The highly competitive match ended goalless in regulation time and was decided via penalty shootout, with Business Administration emerging victorious.
The victory marked Business Administration’s first-ever football championship, a historic achievement further strengthened by their triumph in the female football final to complete a rare double.
Several other departments also delivered outstanding performances. The Nursing Department impressed in athletics, particularly through its female athletes, who dominated track and field events and drew admiration from spectators and officials.
The combined department of MCB/ICH/BCH also recorded a strong performance, with special commendation given to Dr. Saint for effective coordination and leadership.
A major highlight of the staff segment was the novelty football match tagged the “Battle of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors,” held on December 8, 2025.
The match featured Prof. Sunday Adewale leading Adewale Bombers against Prof. Adesola Ajayi, who captained Ajayi United. After a fiercely contested draw in regulation time, Ajayi United won 5–3 on penalties in a match that promoted staff bonding and institutional unity.
At the end of the Games, official medal standings based on the approved points system confirmed International Relations/Political Science as overall champions with 74 points. Computer Science placed second with 56 points, while Architecture finished third with 42 points.
Mass Communication came fourth with 34 points, while Co-Health/JUPEB and MCB/BCH/ICH shared fifth position with 32 points each.
Reacting to the successful conclusion of the Games, the Sports Committee described the Vice-Chancellor’s Games 3.0 as evidence of what can be achieved when university leadership prioritises student engagement, unity and well-rounded development. The committee noted that the tournament continues to grow in scale, quality and impact.
Also speaking, the University Information, Media and Publication Specialist, Olawale Adekoya, commended students and staff for their passion, discipline and sportsmanship. He described the Games as a strong reflection of the university’s values and collective spirit.
With thrilling competition, historic victories and vibrant celebrations, the third edition of the Vice-Chancellor’s Games has further strengthened Caleb University’s reputation as an institution where academic excellence and physical development thrive side by side.
