• Posted on : Oct. 25, 2022, 3:47 p.m.
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• Last edited on : Oct. 25, 2022, 3:47 p.m.

The Nigerian University Games Association was formed in July 1965, shortly after the 1st West African University Games that was held at the University of Ibadan earlier that year. In 1966, the first Nigerian University Games was held at the University of Ibadan the five Universities in Nigeria at that time namely: University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Lagos, Akoka and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Presently, there are over eighty Universities as members of NUGA and this cut across private and public (Federal and State) owned. At the beginning, only very few sports were involved but the member of sports have over time grown to sixteen namely: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Scrabble, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis and Volleyball. Over the years, many University athletes have represented Nigeria at various international competitions like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Some of the notable ones include Seyi Olofinjana (Football), Vincent Enyeama (Football), Bisi Afoloabi (Athletics), Olumide Oyedeji (Basketball), Chika Chukwumerije (Taekwondo) and Olusoji Fasuba (Athletics), who is the current African record holder in 100 metres (Men) with a time of 9.85 seconds. It is pertinent to add that many more University athletes have turned professional after completing their University education. 26TH NUGA GAMES The 26th NUGA Games will be held at the University of Lagos. Prior to the final competition at the University of Lagos, elimination competitions would be held at the various NUGA Zones with over Ten thousand athletes from close to 80 Universities participating. The University has proposed to the NUGA Council that the competition will be held in the last quarter of the year. The Council will deliberate on proposal at its next meeting which will hold on or before the middle of April, 2020.