UNIVERSITY SPORTS OFFICE ORGANISES INTER-COLLEGE/FACULTY SPORTS COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS
The University is making deliberate efforts to provide modest sporting facilities for students, staff, and the host community. The institution has also pledged to continue supporting and creating enabling conditions for the growth and development of sports activities on campus.
This was disclosed by the University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Professor Ibrahim Baba Goni, during the opening ceremony of the 2024/2025 Inter-College/Faculty Sports Competition for students held on Monday, 4th August, 2025, at the university's sports ground.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the pressing challenges the university faces, particularly the deficit in sports infrastructure. He assured that the university is determined to overcome these challenges through a vigorous drive to improve existing facilities. He, therefore, called on sports enthusiasts, philanthropists, and organizations to support the university’s sporting needs.
He commended the efforts of the sports unit for successfully integrating sports as a key element of social interaction and a means for students to relieve academic stress. He also urged game officials to be fair and exercise restraint in officiating to allow participants to enjoy the full benefits of their involvement.
Emphasizing the purpose of the competition, the Vice-Chancellor reminded the students that sports are not solely about winning. Rather, it is about participation, friendship, interaction, integration, cohesion, teamwork, and most importantly, learning to handle both victory and defeat with sportsmanship.
In his welcome address, the University’s Director of Sports, Professor Zakariya Nayawo, stated that the sports office is striving to initiate new ideas in line with the university's Golden Jubilee celebration. He noted that the primary objectives of the competition are to promote meaningful interaction among students, foster unity and friendship, and serve as a vital platform for recreation.
He highlighted that the major goal of this competition is to identify student athletes with the potential to represent the university at external competitions, particularly the upcoming NUGA Games, scheduled to be held at the University of Jos in October/November 2025.
This year's competition, he said, features 12 NUGA events organized in two phases: Phase 1: Female Football (5-Aside), Table Tennis, Tennis, Judo, Badminton, Chess, and Scrabble. While Phase 2: Athletics, Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Taekwondo, and Male Football.
Professor Nayawo concluded by appreciating the university management for all the support to the sports unit. He especially commended the Vice-Chancellor for his remarkable and unprecedented commitment to sports since assuming office.
