The University of Ibadan has, on Friday, November 21, 2025, commissioned its new stadium, 5-Aside Arena Stadium.

The construction of the 5-Aside Arena Stadium, located around Gongola Road, UI, was sponsored by the Renaissance Africa Energy Company.

The commissioning event was graced by the University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, represented by Professor Ajayi, the Chairman of UI Sports Council, Chief Tony Attah, the CEO of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, some members of the UI’SU Executive Commitee and some alumni of the University.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ajayi, the Chairman of UI Sports Council, appreciated the sponsors of the 5-Aside Arena Stadium project.

“This is huge and miraculous. The stadium was built within a short period of time. On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, we want to appreciate your contribution to the development of UI sports,” Professor Ajayi said.

In a separate interview with IndyPress, Professor Ajayi commended the project, urging the alumni of the University of Ibadan to contribute more to the development of UI sports.

“It is an effort-making possession in the sense that we have never had something like this. It is a new thing and a giveback from our ex-students. They deemed it fit to come up, networking through Renaissance Energy Company and donating this edifice to the University of Ibadan,” Professor Ajayi told IndyPress.

“We are taking this time to acknowledge it as we receive it. And we are saying all other ex-students of the University of Ibadan to identify with us. Sports should be run by associations, which I think is possible. The University of Ibadan cannot do it alone. The federal government cannot do it alone,” he added.

Professor Ajayi further charged the students of the University of Ibadan to prioritize the proper maintenance of the stadium.

“As we are receiving it, we should use it well. We should use it well. Otherwise, when they look back, they may not want to do more,” he advised.

The 5-Aside Arena Stadium was commissioned at exactly 3:43PM.

The stand of the stadium was also commissioned and named after Dr. Abiodun Isiaka Salami.

The event featured a friendly match between the University of Ibadan ex-players.