By: Adekunle Oni-Daniel

Students’ life should encompass more than academic pursuits. To support this holistic vision, the university maintains spaces that encourage rest and connection. One of such facilities is the Gamaliel Onasode Gym, a fitness center.

Located behind the Faculty of Social Sciences, the gym attracts those intent on improving their strength, endurance, or general health. Since its opening in 2010, the gym has operated under the direction of Mr. Babatunde Oluwabumi Adeniran. Though conceptualized under the leadership of then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bamiro, its realization was made possible through the involvement of former Pro-Chancellor Mr. Gamaliel Onasode, after whom the facility is named.

The gym is accessible to students who present a valid identity card and evidence of tuition payment for the academic session. Mr. Babatunde explained that the equipment remains in good working order and that the facility is structured to suit varied schedules. Timetables are arranged with flexibility in mind, ensuring that academic obligations remain uninterrupted.

“There is no fixed number of users. We’re open to everyone enrolled in the university,” he stated in a conversation with IndyPress. “Our scheduling allows students to incorporate workouts without compromising their lectures or study time.”

Access, however, is not automatic. Students are required to register by paying ₦2,600, followed by a ₦1,000 monthly renewal. Non-students may also join the facility, though at a higher cost, ₦6,600 initially and ₦4,000 monthly thereafter.

The gym is outfitted with machines and spaces suited to a range of physical goals. In his remarks, Mr. Babatunde appraised the gym’s versatility. “Whatever your objective, whether muscular development, improved stamina, cardiovascular fitness, or simply staying active, we have provisions in place. You won’t find us lacking in that regard,” he said, gesturing toward the various apparatuses lining the gym floor.

As part of the gym’s culture, every new member undergoes an initial health screening. This preliminary step enables the gym staff to assign exercise regimens that align with each individual’s physical condition. “We pay attention to medical considerations from the start,” Mr. Babatunde noted. “Our aim is not just to build strength but to ensure safety.”

He also emphasized the philosophical grounding of the gym’s operation. “From inception, we were cautioned not to encourage a culture of intimidation or aggression. Our mission has always been to cultivate physical discipline.”

While fitness culture often centers on aesthetics, Mr. Babatunde highlighted the preventive and restorative dimensions of exercise. “There are things consistent training can do that medications often cannot. Take hypertension, for instance, exercise offers relief that goes beyond what tablets typically manage. I speak from experience. Whenever my blood pressure rises, I simply return to my routine. It brings me back into equilibrium,” he explained. “You don’t have to wait for illness before you act.”

The gym operates Monday through Friday from 7:30AM to 11:00 Am in the morning , and 4:00 Pm  to 6:00 Pm  in the evening. The Gym is open on Saturdays and public holidays during the morning hours only.

Several students shared their impressions of the facility. Olamide Osho, of the Department of Agricultural Extension, expressed that his involvement at the gym had shaped more than his physique. “Training here has taught me persistence. It hass influenced how I approach daily tasks,” he said. “It has also improved my confidence. I can engage others more assertively, and I rarely fall ill these days. I feel strong.”

Miracle, a student in Computer Science, reported notable physical and emotional changes since beginning her sessions. “I started last year, focusing on both upper and lower body strength. Since then, I’ve slimmed down and improved my stamina. I feel more capable across the board,” she said.

What the Gamaliel Onasode Gym offers extends beyond machines and programs, it presents students with an opportunity to build resilience, self-awareness, and balance. These are qualities that often elude conventional academic training yet prove indispensable in everyday life.