By IBRAHIM T. LOT
The 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games, hosted by the University of Jos, ended on a triumphant note, leaving behind unforgettable memories and record-breaking achievements.
Themed “Unity, Play in Peace,” this year’s edition brought together more than 4,000 athletes from 91 universities across Nigeria competing in 23 disciplines, including athletics, football, basketball, and the newly introduced e-sports.
A historic iin for BIU
In a landmark moment, Benson Idahosa University (BIU) emerged overall champions—becoming the first private university to win the title in the 59-year history of the Games. BIU finished with 25 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals, earning a prize of ₦2 million. The University of Jos and the University of Benin clinched second and third places, respectively.
Opening Ceremony and Infrastructure Boost
Declaring the Games open, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged athletes to uphold fair play and seize the opportunity to build friendships across cultural lines.
He also commissioned the new state-of-the-art sports complex built by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Foundation at UNIJOS.
Record Participation and Growth
Dr. Michael Ajibua, Acting President of NUGA, announced that 91 universities and over 7,800 student-athletes, supported by 2,750 officials, took part, the highest participation in NUGA history.
“This reflects not only the growth of university sports but the unity and diversity of our great nation,” he said.
The surge in participating institutions, from 79 in the last edition to 91exposed the need for improved logistics and infrastructure for future Games.
Eco-Friendly Innovation
Sustainability took centre stage with the introduction of solar-powered tricycles, solar streetlights, and other green initiatives championed by UNIJOS. These innovations aligned with the Games’ theme and strengthened environmental awareness among participants.
Economic Boom for Naraguta Community
The host community, Naraguta, transformed into a vibrant commercial hub throughout the Games. The famous Mami Market buzzed with activity as vendors from across the country offered diverse products, brands, and cuisines—often at reduced prices despite the cost of travel.
This economic boost underscored the growing impact of NUGA on host institutions and state economies.
New Records and New Sports
The 27th NUGA Games set multiple firsts:
Introduction of softball, baseball, rugby, and e-sports
Record-breaking number of participating universities
Cash prizes were introduced for the first time:
₦2 million for BIU
₦1.5 million for UNIJOS
₦1 million for UNIBEN
Mother–Daughter Duo Makes Golden History
One of the most heartwarming moments came from the Dasbak family.
Christabel Dasbak and her daughter, Charity, powered UNIJOS to gold in the women’s doubles squash event, defeating their opponents from FUTA in a thrilling match.
Their synergy—blending experience with youthful flair—captivated the audience. The duo went on to join Nanribet Dasbak and Patience Danjuma in the team event, where UNIJOS secured another gold with a commanding 2–0 victory over FUNAAB.
The achievements of the Dasbaks symbolised the enduring bond between family, sport, and legacy.
Closing Ceremony
Governor Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, praised the Games for promoting unity, sportsmanship, and youth empowerment. He commended UNIJOS, the LOC, and all stakeholders for delivering a successful and memorable event.
Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of UNIJOS, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support and reaffirmed his vision of making the university a leading centre for sports and academics. He also revealed plans to establish a High-Performance Centre, taking advantage of Jos’ high-altitude training conditions.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 28th NUGA Games will be hosted by the University of Calabar in 2026, promising yet another exciting chapter in Nigeria’s university sports history.