Rangers International FC has opened discussions with Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, on a landmark partnership aimed at merging academic education with professional football development.
During a courtesy visit to IMT today, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, General Manager and CEO of Rangers FC, laid out a bold vision to the institution’s Rector, Professor Gozie Ogbodo, calling for “a sustainable alliance that empowers players intellectually and professionally.”
“We’re here to begin a collaboration that is long overdue,” said Ezeaku. “IMT and Rangers are like Irish twins , founded just three years apart yet this is the first time we’re meaningfully engaging on this level. The time is now.”
Education: A Core Pillar in Rangers’ Strategic Plan
Ezeaku, appointed CEO in August 2023, has spearheaded a sweeping transformation at Rangers, centered on youth development, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
A key pillar of that vision is education — one he believes cannot be separated from high-performance sport.
“We want to produce footballers who are not just skilled, but also educated, informed, and ready for life beyond the pitch,” he said.
He revealed that the newly formed Rangers Women’s Team, scheduled for official unveiling in two weeks, will offer educational opportunities to its players, with 30% expected to enroll at IMT as part of a pilot academic-athletic program.
Rangers GM Barr Amobi presenting a Rangers jersey to Prof Gozie Rector IMT. Photo Credit: X
The proposed partnership extends beyond academics. Ezeaku highlighted Rangers’ creation of a Rangers Innovation Hall, inspired by Barcelona’s Innovation Hub, and designed to train young talents in fields like videography, performance analysis, and sports medicine.
“Why should we go abroad to find expertise in sports technology or rehabilitation, when IMT has the capacity right here? Let’s build local solutions for global competitiveness.”
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He called for active collaboration in developing sports tech, physiotherapy, and language programs — areas increasingly essential in the modern football ecosystem.
Youth Development Rooted in Discipline and Knowledge
Rangers’ recent rollout of age-grade teams (U10 to U19) forms another key part of the club’s vision, one rooted in discipline, education, and mentorship.
“We are telling our young players: you can have A-grades and an A-game. Excellence in sport and academics must go hand in hand.”
Rangers GM Barr Amobi alongside Prof Gozie Rector IMT (Middle) and Barr Egbo Rangers Administrative Secretary. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
Ezeaku also proposed inter-institutional friendly matches and mentoring programs, while hinting at the need for an eventual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define deliverables and performance indicators for the partnership.
“We must set clear KPIs. Let the public hold us accountable. This isn’t just a photo-op. It’s the beginning of a long-term collaboration that should benefit the South-East and the nation.”
Prof Ogbodo Lauded for Reforms and Forward-Thinking Leadership
The Rangers CEO praised the IMT Rector, Professor Gozie Ogbodo, describing his appointment in November 2024 as “a breath of fresh air” and lauding the institution’s rapid modernization under his leadership.
“IMT looks transformed, it’s visible in the order, the leadership, and the renewed energy. It is only right that Rangers aligns with such an institution to shape the future of sports and education in Enugu State.”
In response, Professor Gozie Ogbodo, Rector of IMT, described the Rangers management team as “world-class,” applauding their bold, structured approach to player development and community engagement.
Rangers GM Barr Amobi alongside Prof Gozie Rector IMT. Photo Credit: Rangers Media
He expressed delight at the visit and the potential collaboration, stating that IMT is fully aligned with the goals outlined by Rangers.
“This is how modern institutions operate with vision, synergy, and structure. Rangers have shown they are not just a football club, but a platform for talent, innovation, and education,” Prof Ogbodo said.
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To move the process forward, the Rector mandated IMT’s legal team to immediately liaise with Rangers’ management to draft a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting clear terms for implementation.
“We will work out the technicalities and ensure that this is not just a conversation, but a functional collaboration with measurable impact.”
