Imo State is set to make history next year by becoming the first state, nay first in Africa, to host the University and College of Football (UCFB).

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The UCFB, which is a degree awarding university, is based in Burnley, UK, and in addition also provides courses in business and management.



An agreement to make the Imo State capital, the first city to host the university outside the United Kingdom was reached last Friday at a meeting held by the governor of the state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and UCFB officials, led by its Provost and Chief Executive, Philip Wilson.

A very delighted governor, who said he was determined to bring the glory days back to the state, said he would be donating a piece of land for the venture, which was made possible by his Senior Special Assistant on Sports and former Super Eagles skipper, Nwankwo Kanu.

In addition to the proposed university, Imo State will also be housing a football academy courtesy of Bolton Football Club, whose officials were also at the meeting held at the Government House, Owerri.

The UCFB Provost explained that while the university is only a few months old, discussions had been going on between them and Kanu for over eight months.



"We were introduced by Premier League Chairman, Sir Dave Richards and after holding preliminary discussions with Kanu where he explained his governor's desire to develop youth football in the state we decided to give it a go and I must say we're impressed with our discussions in person with His Excellency," said Wilson.
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It was learnt that while the university would be taking off in Owerri next year, UCFB has already agreed to start the partnership by accepting at least 10 students selected by the Imo State government to take part in the university's 10-week Executive Diploma course in Football Business Management.

The Provost explained that their goal was to make the participants better managers of the whole facet of the 'beautiful game' as it relates to the off the field activities.

Wilson was accompanied on his trip by a former Manchester United youth team star, Richard Flash, who is now a Lecturer in Football Business & Marketing at the university.


As part of the efforts of the state to groom the next 'Jay Jay Okochas' and 'Kanu', the state also used the occasion of the visit of the Bolton and UCFB officials to launch and kick off the Imo League.

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The event, which took place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium and drew the governor and his deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso, saw participants from all the 27 local governments taking part in a march past.

It is hoped that at least one top player would emerge from each of the local governments, who could then be sent abroad for trials ultimately with the possibility of getting a club in Europe.

Part of the proceeds from such a transfer would be given to the local government to help them sustain the programme.

In the opening match of the Imo League, Owerri Municipality beat their Isu counterparts 2-1.

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nice one papilo.

Lol. D special advisers are Imo state is working. Kudos to Rochas

Yes, Give them our land for free. Why is he donating land. Who tells him that the lands are his. Men I tire for these people.

^^^ are u having a laff or wat ? a reputable institution is coming to ur state to spend millions of pounds to build a social developmental structure that ur govt is not able or simply wouldnt build, and all u have to say it complain about the land ?

papilo,i no say one day,u go make us proud

Seems like a nice development. Keep these youth busy in schools learning useful skills or have them become militants or suicide bombers tomorrow.

I kind of like Rochas style. I only hope Imo State Govt follow through on these many developments.