Mr. Mobio Samuel, a renowned basketball coach and sports educator, is bringing his expertise
to IUGB!
Initially joining the university to teach English in the CCE program, he soon found his way to the basketball court, where students recognized him and invited him to play. Inspired by their enthusiasm, he decided to volunteer as a coach.
Mr. Mobio is a university lecturer in basketball pedagogy and a FIBA Africa and World expert in
coach training, he has competed in multiple international championships, led ASEC Abidjan to major titles, and coached Côte d’Ivoire’s national team. Beyond sports, he has served as a National Assembly member and Vice Governor of Abidjan.
Now, he is set to train both male and female players at IUGB, with their first session kicking off on Saturday, March 15. With his extensive background and passion for the game, Mr. Mobio shared his vision for creating an inclusive and competitive environment for all players at IUGB. He intends to start by evaluating the players physical, psychological, technical, and tactical levels, observing their defensive and offensive attitudes. We will observe their attitudes and behaviors, both defensive and offensive, he explained.
His main goals are to make basketball more enjoyable for the players and help them
understand the discipline’s spirit and sacrifices. " All this is just a simple question of
organization, will, and above all, resilience," he emphasized.
Mobio’s approach aims to inspire students to balance academics with their passion for basketball, much like NCAA athletes.
Following Mr. Mobio’s vision for IUGB’s basketball program, Dr. DeBrenna LaFa Agbenyiga, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, shared her thoughts on the significance of his involvement. She sees Mobio’s contribution as a key step in strengthening the university’s
sports culture. “ This is another superb step in the right direction for the future of IUGB and its
students,” she said.
She believes his coaching will help develop leadership in student-athletes, enhance academic excellence, boost our global competitiveness, and expand community impact. “It allows us to build athletic teams positioned to compete at the national and international level.” she stated.
Beyond competition, she sees this as a way to create scholarship opportunities and improve sports infrastructure. “By integrating these elements, IUGB can create a robust sports program that complements its academic mission” she affirmed.
Building on these efforts, Tenge Prince Woedinam, the head of the basketball club, shared his vision for the program. “Our goal is to get more people involved in the sport,” he said, believing that sports help students not only physically but also academically. “A sound mind in a sound
body,” he added. Tenge stressed that bringing in a coach would help create a disciplined environment that supports both personal and team growth. “His expertise will be a valuable
asset to the club,” he concluded, looking forward to the future of IUGB’s basketball program.
Mr. Mobio’s coaching begins with the first session on March 15th, focusing on player evaluation and growth. His approach will balance academics with athletics, fostering inclusivity and
leadership. This initiative promises an exciting future IUGB’s future and its athletic program.
