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Benson Idahosa University Crowned Champions as 27th NUGA Games Conclude in Grand Style

The 27th Nigerian University Games (NUGA) came to a colourful and memorable close on Saturday at the University of Jos, with Benson Idahosa University (BIU) emerging as overall champions in a tournament that featured 74 institutions from across Nigeria.

Benson Idahosa University topped the medal table with 25 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals. Hosts University of Jos (UNIJOS) finished second with 18 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze, while the University of Benin (UNIBEN) placed third after collecting 15 gold, 9 silver and 10 bronze medals.

The top three institutions were awarded cash prizes of ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million respectively.

Declaring the Games closed, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, represented by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, described the tournament as a “celebration of talent, discipline, sportsmanship and unity”—qualities she said reflect the Nigerian spirit. She praised the event as “more than a sporting competition,” calling it a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The federal government’s commitment to empowering young people through education and sport is evident,” she said. “Sports remain a vital channel for moulding character, shaping discipline and nurturing leadership.”

This edition featured 23 sports, an expansion from the previous Games hosted by the University of Lagos. Organisers and guests commended UNIJOS for using the event to promote peace and dispel long-standing perceptions of insecurity in Jos.

UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya hailed the warm reception enjoyed by the visiting athletes. “Some athletes do not want to leave because of the welcome they received,” he noted. “This has helped change the narrative that Jos is not safe.” He also applauded the discipline shown throughout the competition, emphasising the spirit of the Games’ theme, “Unite, Play in Peace.” “Gold medals shine, but character shines brighter,” he said. “Whether you won or not, you have shown that sportsmanship is legendary.”

NUGA President Professor Bawa Muhammed described the 27th edition as the best in recent history. “This edition featured 91 participating institutions, the highest so far in NUGA history,” he said. “Strength, speed, endurance and friendship have been tested and forged.”

He announced that the next NUGA Games will be hosted in 2026 at the University of Calabar.

Special Guest of Honour, Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressed delight at the success of the Games, noting earlier uncertainties about their feasibility. “We once considered shifting the Games due to certain challenges, but today we have seen Jos not only host but excel,” he said. “This is the best NUGA in recent times.” He praised the record turnout and celebrated the event as a “beacon of peace on the Plateau.”

What began with concerns over security ended with a renewed sense of unity, pride and optimism. Organisers expressed hope that the friendships formed and the values reinforced during the Games will endure, advancing the vision of using sport to strengthen peace and national cohesion among Nigerian students.