The closing ceremony of the 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) took place on Saturday at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), with Benson Idahosa University (BIU) finishing top of the medals table with 25 gold and 34 medals in total, www.aclsports.com reports.
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The ceremony, which began at 3 pm, drew several distinguished guests, among them HRH Pozoh Johnson Jauro Magaji, The Ujah Anaguta, the Emir of Zuru, Mohammad Sanusi Mikailu Sami Gamo III, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Deputy Governor Josephine Chundung Piyo, and Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos.
Benson Idahosa University earned ₦2 million in prize money for topping the medal table. The University of Jos followed with 18 gold and 50 medals, receiving ₦1.5 million, while the University of Benin secured third place with 15 gold and 34 medals, taking home ₦1 million.
Ishaya, congratulated all athletes for their sportsmanship and resilience. He said: “I know that from time to time there may have been challenges we faced in one way or another, but you persevered with us in the spirit of sportsmanship, and that is what character is about. It is on record that UNIJOS has now hosted one of the best NUGA Games that Nigerian students have ever seen.”
Amupitan commended UNIJOS for successfully hosting the games and praised the participants for demonstrating that Plateau State is safe. At the closing ceremony, the Deputy Governor, Josephine Chundung Piyo officially declared the 2025 NUGA Games closed.
On the court, women’s basketball saw UNIJOS edge NSUK 61-59 to claim gold, while Nile University dominated the men’s final, defeating ABU Zaria 73-61 to secure back-to-back NUGA Games gold medals. Third-place matches were closely contested, with BUK defeating TSU 55-50 to take the women’s bronze, and UNIMAID narrowly defeating hosts UNIJOS 80-78 for the men’s bronze.
In women’s football, FUOYE dethroned UNILAG 2-1, thanks to a brace from Adesina Bolanle Aisha. Controversy also marked the tournament, as UNIJOS’ female football team were banned for two years and fined ₦250,000 for fielding ineligible players during their semifinal clash against FUOYE.
The 2025 NUGA Games will be remembered for high-level competition, record-breaking performances, and dramatic moments both on and off the field.
By: David Simon, reporting from Jos, Plateau State
