NUGA Launches 2026 Volunteer Network with Onboarding Webinar
The Nigerian University Games Association NUGA officially commenced its 2026 Volunteer Network activities with a virtual onboarding webinar held on March 17, 2026. The session welcomed both new and returning volunteers into a structured community focused on service, leadership, and capacity development within university sports.
Moderated by Ogechi Stella Mmeka, Administration Officer and Communications Strategist at NUGA, she led the onboarding framework, guiding participants through the NUGA Volunteer Network structure, expectations, operational units, and growth pathways. Her session emphasised service driven leadership, active participation, and the role of volunteers as key contributors to the success of NUGA programmes and university sports development across Nigeria. The webinar established the foundation for volunteer engagement in the year ahead.
In his welcome address, the President of NUGA, Professor Mohammed Bawa, emphasised the value of volunteering as a pathway to personal growth, professional development, and global exposure. He noted that the NUGA Volunteer Network is aligned with international best practices and serves as a platform for building skills, fostering connections, and contributing meaningfully to the sports ecosystem.
The session also featured contributions from the Head of Media and Marketing, Ms. Chidiebere Ezeani, who provided institutional context on the evolution of the NUGA Volunteer Network and its growing impact since inception. She highlighted opportunities available to volunteers, including scholarships, career development pathways, and professional recognition, while reinforcing the role of volunteers as ambassadors of NUGA within their respective universities.
A key highlight of the webinar was the session delivered by Faridat Oluwakemi Qowiyu, former NUGA Volunteer Team Lead, who shared practical insights on volunteering, leadership, and personal development. Her presentation focused on discipline, goal setting, teamwork, and the importance of approaching volunteering with intentionality. She also encouraged participants to actively engage within the system, build networks, and maximise the opportunities available through the platform.
Interactive segments allowed participants to introduce themselves, share experiences, and engage in discussions around volunteer roles and expectations. The session further reinforced the transition from informal participation to a structured system with defined units, responsibilities, and leadership pathways within the NUGA framework.
The onboarding webinar successfully set the tone for the 2026 volunteer cycle, positioning the NUGA Volunteer Network as more than an operational support system, but a platform for growth, collaboration, and long term impact. As the year unfolds, the network is expected to play a critical role in strengthening university sports through active engagement, innovation, and service driven leadership.