The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Council has approved a revised date for the upcoming NUGA competition, which will be hosted by the University of Jos. The event is now scheduled to take place from November 6 to 16, 2025, at the University of Jos.
This announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the NUGA National Executives to the University Management at the Council Chamber, Administrative Building, Naraguta Campus, as part of the NUGA Annual Council meeting held at Unijos.
Leading the delegation, NUGA President, Professor Engr. Mohammed Bawa, explained that the decision to reschedule the competition followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders. He emphasized that the new date would allow for the completion of essential infrastructural projects at Unijos, ensuring optimal conditions for hosting the Games.
“After careful consideration and consultation, the NUGA Council agreed to move the competition to November 2025,” Professor Bawa stated. “This adjustment will provide the University of Jos with sufficient time to complete critical projects necessary for the seamless execution of the Games. In previous instances, competitions have been held without completed facilities, resulting in institutions missing out on long-term benefits. We want to prevent such an occurrence here.”
To formalize the revised schedule, Professor Bawa revealed that a Memorandum of Action (MOA) would be signed between NUGA and the University Management, ensuring mutual commitment to the new date.
Additionally, Professor Bawa mentioned the upcoming West African Universities Games (WAUG) in Ghana and encouraged the University Management to support student-athletes in participating in various sports, including Track and Field, Swimming, Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis, and Taekwondo, among others.
Former NUGA President, Professor Stephen Hamafeyeltoin, advised the University of Jos to establish a Directorate of Sports, managed by qualified personnel and professional coaches across different sports disciplines. He emphasized that this initiative would enhance the overall quality of sports at the institution and better prepare students for national and international competitions.
In response, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, expressed gratitude to NUGA for approving the revised dates. He highlighted that the additional time would enable the University to complete necessary arrangements and infrastructure for the Games.
“NUGA’s decision to adjust the dates provides us with the opportunity to put all essential structures in place and ensure the facilities are ready in time for the competition,” Professor Ishaya remarked. He reiterated the significance of sports in the University’s development plans and stated that Unijos intends to leverage the NUGA competition as a platform to showcase its facilities and establish a dedicated Sports Institute.
Regarding WAUG, the Vice-Chancellor assured that the University would adequately prepare its athletes for the event, ensuring they are well-equipped to represent the institution.
Chairman of the University of Jos Sports Committee, Professor Ishaya Pam, also commended the NUGA Council for approving the new date. He noted that the extension would enable the University to finalize its preparations and enhance its hosting capabilities. He praised the University Management for its commitment to providing top-tier facilities, describing them as “Legacy Projects” that will benefit future generations of students and athletes.
Professor Pam further emphasized that with the confirmation of the new dates, the University is determined to deliver a successful NUGA Festival, highlighting its sporting excellence and readiness to host a national-scale competition.
