A GRAND OPENING IN STYLE: THE 27TH NUGA GAMES UNIJOS 2025 KICKS OFF AMID THE MAJESTIC HILLS OF PLATEAU STATE
The long anticipated 27th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) officially commenced on Saturday 8th, November, 2025 at 2pm at the teeming J.T. Useni stadium, University of Jos, with a never-before opening ceremony. The opening ceremony featured sensational cultural performances, contingentsâ march past, horse parade, and invaluable keynote addresses by dignitaries before lighting of the official NUGA torch by Azi Augustine the student director of sports for the University of Jos.
The biennial event was graciously attended by eminent personalities across the country including the Plateau State Executive Governor, Barr. Caleb Muftwang; Ondo State Executive Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Benue State Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode; Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; acting NUGA President, Dr. Michael Ajibua; UNIJOS Pro - Chancellor, Sen. Grace Folashade; Vice - Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, and others.
The Plateau State Executive Governor, Barr. Caleb Muftwang, congratulated and welcomed everybody to the Home of Tourism and Peace. He re-affirmed his commitment to youth and sports infrastructural development, and safety of every person who came far and near to rejoice with Plateau State. Surprisingly, the presence of the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, elated the people. His Excellency described NUGA Games â youth-centered one that nurtures talents, secures future, and removes barriers. This fundamentally resonates with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT).â Dr. Aiyedatiwa then officially declared the 27th NUGA GAMES UNIJOS 2025 open.
According to the UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, âSports is not only Nigeriansâ unifying language but a cherished activity where passion is turned into action for greatness. Dear athletes, winning is sweet, but the spirit of sportsmanship is legendary; thus, be a legend.â Hosting the 27th NUGA Games is a dream come true as UNIJOS sets out to embrace Sports Medicine, Sports Law, Sports Science, Sports Management, Sports Marketing etcâ. He appreciated the Federal Government, Plateau State Government, committee members, volunteers, partners, and sponsors for making 27th NUGA Games UNIJOS 2025 a resounding success.
Similarly, the UNIJOS Pro-Chancellor, Sen. Grace Folashade stated, âNUGA Games is a beacon of national integration and a platform to promote refined talentsâ. She gave kudos to NUGA because the body has never lost its spark in achieving its core objectives since 1966. She expressed her profound gratitude to the UNIJOS 15th Governing Council under her leadership for their consistent support. In her final remarks, âDear athletes, play to win but more importantly, play with integrity. Let your passion and discipline reflects the very best of Nigerian youthsâ.
Statistically, 4,181 student-athletes will compete in 23 accredited sports including swimming, athletics, basketball, volleyball, e-sports etc. The acting NUGA President, Dr. Michael Ajibua, âNUGA Games is a remarkable sport that unites, inspires, and uplifts our souls and body. Let's seize this opportunity to further harness the potential of our youths through the transformative power of sportsâ. He commended NUGA for raising the bar in expected areas for sports development. The athletes were encouraged to play according to the rules of the game and embraced the âtheme of the games: unite, play in peaceâ.