What's Left Is 'U': WAUG 2026 Opens Volunteer Registration Ahead of Historic Games
With just 58 days remaining until the commencement of the 2026 West African University Games WAUG, the Local Organising Committee LOC has officially opened volunteer registration for students of Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, Ile Ife, inviting them to become part of one of West Africas biggest university sporting festivals.
The announcement follows the official unveiling of the WAUG 2026 logo and mascot, marking the beginning of the final countdown to the Games, scheduled to hold from 2 to 12 October 2026.
Expected to welcome more than 3,500 student athletes and officials from 16 English and French speaking West African nations, WAUG 2026 will celebrate sporting excellence, friendship, cultural exchange, and regional integration.
Reinforcing the volunteer campaign is the creative message What's Left Is U, a reminder that while preparations have reached an advanced stage, the Games cannot be complete without the dedication and commitment of volunteers.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor E. O. Akinfala, assured stakeholders that preparations for the Games are progressing steadily, noting that renovations of sporting facilities are ongoing, accommodation arrangements have been concluded, while transportation, security, medical services, and volunteer training are receiving final attention.
According to the organisers, the WAUG 2026 Volunteer Programme offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in sports event management while developing leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through service at an international multi sport event.
Volunteers will support key functional areas, including Media and Publicity, Protocol, Transport and Logistics, Accommodation, Sports Competition Management, Medical Services, and other operational units essential to the successful delivery of the Games.
Beyond event operations, the programme provides an avenue for students to build professional networks, strengthen their portfolios, and gain hands-on experience working alongside sports administrators, technical officials, and event professionals from across West Africa.
Another major highlight of the unveiling was the announcement that both the official logo and mascot emerged from a West Africa-wide student design competition, with the winning logo designed by a student of the University of Lagos UNILAG and the official mascot created by a student of Obafemi Awolowo University a reflection of the organisers commitment to placing students at the heart of the Games.
As the countdown continues, attention now turns to Ile Ife, where thousands of student athletes, officials, volunteers, and sports enthusiasts will gather this October for 11 days of competition, collaboration, friendship, and sporting excellence.
Students of Obafemi Awolowo University are encouraged to seize this opportunity to serve, learn, and contribute to delivering what organisers aim to make the most organised and memorable edition of the West African University Games.
Volunteer Registration: https://forms.gle/ukcNo4ueZnG1iTfG6