By Jimmy Jackson
The 2025 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) games kicks off in Jos on Saturday, November 8 in spectacular style with thousands of athletes across universities converging at the J.T. Useni Stadium, University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State for the 27th edition of the games.
Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of UNIJOS, welcomed athletes, officials, and guests. He thanked Governor Mutfwang, the Federal Government through the Ministries of Education and Sports, TETFUND, the National Sports Commission, and corporate sponsors for their support, praising the collective effort that prepared UNIJOS to host athletes from across Nigeria.
“To our athletes, you trained hard, you pushed when it seemed impossible. Now is your moment to show the nation what greatness looks like when passion meets discipline.
“Winning is beautiful, but sportsmanship is legendary. Here in NUGA, we don’t just compete to beat each other; we compete to be better together.” He said
The NUGA President and Chairperson also commended the university for its readiness, emphasising the importance of unity and fair play.
Governor Mutfwang assured contingents of their safety, saying, “As you came safely, so shall you return safely.”
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa officially declared the Games open. The Director of Sports of the UNIJOS Student Union Government, Azi Augustine, took the oath of allegiance on behalf of the contingents, while Ogogo Godwin took the officials’ oath for the organisers. Both pledged fairness, integrity, and sportsmanship throughout the Games.
Dignitaries at the events were the Deputy Governors of Nasarawa and Benue States; Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly; Secretary to the Plateau State Government; Chief of Staff, Plateau State; Chairman of the Nigerian Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu; and Dr. Gad Shamaki Peter, Global President of the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA), amongst others.
The 27th NUGA Games run across multiple venues in Jos, with athletes competing in disciplines including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and table tennis, cricket, handball.
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