Last Updated on May 18, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
The 2026 edition of the College of Biosciences (COLBIOS) Dean’s Cup delivered an unforgettable spectacle of passion, rivalry, and sporting excellence as the Department of Biochemistry (BCH) emerged as champions after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Pure and Applied Botany (PAB).
With the slogan, “COLBIOS Excellentia,” echoing across the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the tournament once again reinforced the College’s growing reputation for excellence not only in academics, but also in sports and student engagement.
The competition brought together four formidable Departments within the College: Pure and Applied Zoology (PAZ), Pure and Applied Botany (PAB), Biochemistry (BCH), and Microbiology (MCB), in a football fiesta that kept students and staff on the edge of their seats.
May 6, 2026, would undoubtedly remain a historic date in the sporting annals of COLBIOS. The day opened with an intense third-place encounter between Microbiology (MCB) and Pure and Applied Zoology (PAZ). In a fiercely contested battle, PAZ displayed resilience and tactical superiority to secure a hard-fought 1–0 victory, emphatically sealing Third Place.
However, it was the grand finale between PAB, regarded as the custodian of the current Deanship and BCH, home of the Deputy Dean and Immediate Past Dean, that truly captivated the College community.
The atmosphere at the venue was electric as students, supporters, and members of the College Academic Board thronged the pitchside in anticipation of a classic showdown. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Dean of COLBIOS, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde; the Deputy Dean, Prof. Regina Ugbaja; the Director of the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Prof. Oluwatoyin Afolabi; Heads of Department; and several distinguished Academic staff members.
Both teams lived up to expectations, displaying skill, determination, and tactical discipline throughout regulation time. Yet, after 90 pulsating minutes, neither side could break the deadlock, forcing the encounter into a nerve-racking penalty shootout. Tension gripped the field as supporters watched anxiously with hopes hanging in the balance. In the decisive moment, BCH, under the leadership of its Head of Department, Dr. Adio Akamo, held their nerve to triumph 5–4 on penalties, sparking wild celebrations among players and supporters alike.
The victory sent BCH fans into jubilation as the Department proudly lifted the coveted Dean’s Cup trophy amid cheers and applause from the College community.
Beyond the fierce competition, the tournament stood out as a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and collective excellence within COLBIOS. The event demonstrated the College’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded students capable of excelling both academically and socially.
In her remarks, the Dean of the College reaffirmed the College’s commitment to sports development, pledging continued investment in sporting facilities and equipment to further strengthen COLBIOS participation in future competitions.
Special commendations were also extended to Dr. Wasiu Abibu, COLBIOS University Sports Representative, and Mr. Oduroye Daniel, the College Students’ Sports Secretary, for their dedication, coordination, and outstanding efforts in ensuring the success of the tournament.
Indeed, the 2026 COLBIOS Dean’s Cup was more than just football, it was a powerful expression of the spirit of COLBIOS Excellentia.
