The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole has assured that the University will soon become an international University.

Professor Oyewole, who was represented by Professor (Mrs.) Folake Henshaw at the 2012 National Training Workshop on Sports Nutrition, organized by Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) Ogun State Chapter, in collaboration with University’s Directorate of Sports.

The Vice-Chancellor, while expressing his appreciation to the organizers of the Workshop, stressed that the University is one of the best in the country.

He said further that the outcome of the workshop will surely enhance the optimal performance of the University athletes at various sporting competitions.

In her Keynote Address, titled “Nutritional Goals and Dietary Strategies for Athletes”, Professor Henshaw, Dean, College of Food and Human Ecology (COLFHEC) said optimal nutrition is essential for peak athlete performance.

Professor Henshaw noted that for any athlete to perform optimally, such an athlete needs essential nutrients which are: Water, Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins and Minerals.

She stressed that peak performance is the ultimate objective of an athlete which depends on good genes, good training and optimal nutrition.

The Keynote Speaker pointed out that the goals of sports nutrition are to enhance performance by improving body composition during training, to promote healthy dietary practices, to appropriate dietary regimes for body recovery after training and competition and to improve overall health to ensure sustainable performance.

She highlighted dietary strategies, which include Hydration, use of nutrient supplements, pre-game diets, post-game diets, among others.

Professor (Mrs.) Henshaw concluded that nutritional misinformation can do much harm to athletes.

In her goodwill message, the National President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Professor (Mrs.) Ngozi Nnam who was represented by the Vice President (South), Dr. Oladejo Thomas Adepoju said that good nutrition is the panacea to good health adding that it is very important to productivity of the Nation.

Professor (Mrs.) Nnam charged all and sundry to encourage good nutrition as it will aid good performance in Sports.

She commended Ogun State Chapter for a job well done, stressing that the chapter is the most viable and always at the forefront in the country.

Earlier in his welcome address, the chapter Chairman, Dr. Wasiu Afolabi of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) said that proper nutrition helps athletes at all levels to prevent injury, enhance recovery from exercise, achieve and maintain optimal body weight, improve daily training work outs and maintain overall good health.

He expressed dismay that malnutrition level is still high in Nigeria with women and children being the most affected.

Dr. Afolabi called on athletes that want to have winning edge to get the right nutrition, adding that drinking enough water, eating of adequate diet will fuel top performance.

The Chapter Chairman in his address advised the Sports Ministries and Commissions to employ nutrition professionals as it will go a long way to ensure that Nigerian athletes are not only fit, but will be able to match and outmatch their counterparts on the field of play.

He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bandele Oyewole for his support in all ways and to his predecessors in the society.