Anjolaoluwa, Abraham Okunogbe , a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure,FUTA is not only excellently pursuing his academic programme but has also created time to distinguish himself in a pastime that has now become a passion, refereeing the game of football. On Campus he has become a well-respected umpire in the game of football. At a young age, Okunogbe , fondly called referee Anjolaoluwa , discovered a passion for refereeing that has now blossomed into a leadership role. Today, Okunogbe serves as the Chairman of the FUTA Referee Association - a role that sets him apart from his peers. He is generally respected on and off the field of play for his deep knowledge of the rules of football and his firmness when officiating in tournaments in the University.
His journey into the world of refereeing began in an unlikely place - his secondary school days. Fascinated by the poise, authority, and carriage of referees on the field, Okunogbe found himself drawn to the discipline, fairness, and attention to detail that officiating a match required. He admired how referees commanded respect while ensuring that the rules of the game were upheld not realizing then that his attraction would turn into a lifelong passion.
Reflecting, he said “I remember watching referees with such admiration, how they moved, how they controlled the tempo of the game with such calm and confidence. That was when I knew I wanted to be one of them.”
Okunogbe has officiated numerous matches at FUTA, earning the respect of his peers and senior officials alike. He has also attended various refereeing workshops and courses , in order to keep abreast of the rules and regulations of the game.
Balancing his academic pursuit of a demanding Mechanical Engineering programme with his refereeing duties hasn’t always been easy. Yet, Okunogbe’s drive, coupled with his ability to manage time efficiently, has allowed him to excel in both fields. As Chairman of the FUTA Referee Association, he has taken significant steps to mentor younger referees, setting high standards and ensuring the Association continues to produce well-trained, fair, and professional officials.
Looking ahead, Okunogbe ,who has always enjoyed the support of his parents and family, plans to take the passion he has for refereeing beyond FUTA and Nigeria, dreaming of one day officiating at international tournaments.
For him, the field is not just a place to enforce rules but a space where he feels most alive, commanding respect while helping to shape the outcome of games.
With his feet firmly planted in both Engineering and Sports, Okunogbe Abraham Anjolaoluwa is a true testament to the fact that passion, perseverance, and leadership can take you to great heights. As he continues to excel in his academics and as the Chairman of the FUTA Referee Association, the future looks bright for this trailblazing student-referee.