OAU Hosts WAUG 2026 as West African Universities Gather in Ile-Ife
By Victor Oluwaseun Olabisi
A colourful parade, cultural performances and the lighting of the Games flame marked the opening of the 2026 West Africa University Games (WAUG) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Saturday.
Held at the Main Bowl of the OAU Sports Centre, the ceremony brought together university leaders, sports administrators, athletes and officials to celebrate the start of a regional gathering themed "Uniting Universities, Inspiring Excellence."
Scheduled for October 2-12, the Games bring together 50 universities from across West Africa, with more than 2,500 athletes and officials participating in 18 sports. Delegations from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal were among those present at the opening ceremony.
The proceedings began with the Nigerian National Anthem and the OAU Anthem, followed by a parade of participating delegations. Music from the accompanying orchestra and cheers from the stands welcomed the athletes into the arena, setting the tone for the competition ahead.
Ile-Ife's cultural heritage featured prominently throughout the occasion. Traditional attire and cultural displays celebrated the host city's history, connecting the sporting gathering with its Yoruba roots.
That connection is also reflected in the official Games mascot, Ori-Olokun, which incorporates the Olokun head, Opele and cowries as symbols of Ile-Ife's cultural heritage.
Among the dignitaries present were WAUG President, Mr Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu; WAUG Vice-President I, Dr Segun A. Olawunmi; and WAUG Treasurer, Mrs Balogun Yetunde. The host university's leadership was represented by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello.
The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) delegation was led by the association's President, Professor Bawa Mohammed, represented by Professor Musa Garba Yakassai.
Welcoming participants, the WAUG President acknowledged the journeys undertaken by delegations to reach Ile-Ife and urged athletes to embrace both competitive ambition and mutual respect.
"Give your best, respect your opponents and officials," he said.
He encouraged participants to use their time at the Games to exchange ideas, share experiences and build relationships across national borders. Alongside the pursuit of medals, he emphasised the value of friendships and connections formed through university sport.
He also thanked OAU for welcoming the West African university sports community back to Ile-Ife. The university previously hosted WAUG in 1975 and 2023.
In his welcome address, Professor Bamire described the Games as an investment in young people and an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for the university community.
"For OAU, the Games are an investment in the future of our youth," he said.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the infrastructure and systems developed for the competition were intended to continue serving students beyond the Games. He acknowledged the contributions of volunteers and thanked NUGA, WAUG, the National Sports Commission and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for their support.
Professor Bamire also conveyed greetings from the Ooni of Ife and welcomed visiting delegations on behalf of the university's Governing Council, Senate and wider community.
His message to the athletes was clear: "Compete with courage, discipline and determination."
He encouraged visitors to explore Ile-Ife's cultural heritage and hospitality, expressing the hope that every participant would return home with meaningful experiences and new friendships.
The ceremony also featured an address by Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello before proceedings moved to the lighting of the Games flame.
Designated torch bearer Adeleke Michelle carried the WAUG torch into the arena and presented it to Bello, who accompanied her as the flame was lit, signalling the start of the competition.
Athletes and officials then took their respective oaths, affirming their commitment to fairness, respect and proper conduct. Renditions of the Nigerian National Anthem and the OAU Anthem brought the ceremony to a close.
With the Games flame alight, attention now turns to competition across 18 sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, hockey and squash.
For the participating universities, WAUG 2026 offers an opportunity to pursue sporting excellence while strengthening the friendships, cultural understanding and regional connections celebrated at the opening ceremony.