The Thrill of Competition: Highlights from the Resurrected VC’s Cup

   In a world where COLVET (College of Veterinary Medicine) is synonymous with textbooks, lectures, and a relentless pursuit of academic brilliance, one might think the concept of sports doesn’t quite fit. But just when the last page of a textbook seemed to close, COLVET surprised everyone by flipping the script and stepping boldly into the athletic arena at the resuscitated Intercollegiate Games, the prestigious VC’s Cup. This year’s competition, which ran from November 27, 2024 to December 19, 2024 was the much-awaited return of an event that had been dormant for five long years.

What made this edition of the VC’s Cup even more extraordinary was the five-year gap since its last incarnation. The return wasn’t just about reviving a tradition; it was about resurrecting something that had been missed. For COLVET, it was the ultimate test of resilience. Could we not only compete but shine in a world that often overlooks the busy life of a veterinary student? The answer was clear: Yes, we can.

A Comeback to Remember

In 2019, the games ended, leaving a void. The energy, the rivalry, the spirit—it all vanished. But in 2024, the VC’s Cup was reborn. For COLVET, the stakes were higher than ever. Known primarily for its academic rigor, the college ventured into the sporting world, balancing deadlines, assignments, and practice sessions in a way that only true champions can.The weight of these dual commitments could have been overwhelming, but COLVET didn’t just participate—they thrived. Competing in ten different events, including basketball, volleyball, football, badminton, handball and more, the college showcased not just athleticism but a deep well of perseverance and teamwork.

Medals Galore and Glory in Every Step

Though the medals weren’t the ultimate goal, they came pouring in as a testament to the dedication poured into every game. COLVET walked away with a remarkable five medals, marking an unforgettable chapter in the history of the competition:

Three Bronze Medals :

Male Scrabble

Female Scrabble

Men's Basketball

One Silver Medal :

Women's Volleyball

One Gold Medal :

Marching Event (because why shouldn’t we shine in everything?)

The real story, though, isn’t in the number of medals. It’s in the spirit of COLVET’s athletes—their willingness to rise above the pressures of the classroom, juggling tight schedules to give their all in every competition. COLVET has always been revered for its academic excellence, but this year, it sent a message loud and clear: We’re not just about books, we’re about balance—where the intellect meets the physical, where studying meets sport, and where dedication runs beyond the pages of a textbook.

For many students, the VC’s Cup was more than just a chance to compete; it was an opportunity to redefine what COLVET is and with five medals, they’ve done just that. These victories weren’t handed out. They were earned. Every drop of sweat on the court or field, every moment of teamwork, every minute spent strategizing was a reminder that greatness can thrive anywhere.

Guidance from the Masters

Behind every athlete is a coach, and behind every COLVET athlete was a coach with unwavering faith in their potential. Dr. Attama, the college sports representative, stood at the helm, steering the ship. With the dedicated guidance of coaches like Fanimo Marvelous (Football), Emmanuel Irekore (Basketball), Jamiu Sanni (Handball), John Tanimowo (Volleyball), Kolajo Ajayi (Scrabble), Momoh Jumoke (Badminton), and Prof. Takeet (Table Tennis), the athletes found their rhythm, their strategy, and their power. But it wasn’t just the coaches—the support of university officials like Dr. Olabanji, the Sports Director, and Coach Lawrence ensured the games were as smooth as the rhythm of a well-played ma

The road ahead

So, what now? This competition was more than just an athletic event; it was the beginning of something bigger. The message is loud and clear: COLVET is here to play, in every sense of the word. Whether it’s in the lecture halls, the libraries, or on the playing field, COLVET students will continue to prove that their passion for excellence knows no bounds.

The journey is far from over. With the fire of this year’s competition fueling the spirit, the next VC’s Cup will see COLVET not just competing but dominating. Here’s to the students, the coaches, and the support that made this dream a reality—and here’s to the dreams yet to come.

Written by: Abdulrahman O. Odukoya

Associate Editor II, DVM II