The opening ceremony of the 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games lit up the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, on Saturday, 8 November 2025, marking the official start of the competition, www.aclsports.com reports.
The event, which began at 2 p.m., was attended by dignitaries including His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, and His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State, alongside deputy governors, ministers, university management, and sports officials from across Nigeria.
Proceedings opened with the national anthem and a colourful march-past, as athletes waved school flags while horses paraded around the stadium.
Vice-Chancellor of UNIJOS, Professor Tanko Ishaya, welcomed over 10,000 athletes, officials, and guests. He thanked Governor Mutfwang, the Federal Government through the Ministries of Education and Sports, TETFUND, the National Sports Commission, and corporate sponsors for their support, praising the collective effort that prepared UNIJOS to host athletes from across Nigeria.
The NUGA President and Chairperson also commended the university for its readiness, emphasising the importance of unity and fair play. Governor Mutfwang assured contingents of their safety, saying, “As you came safely, so shall you return safely.”
His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa officially declared the Games open. The Director of Sports of the UNIJOS Student Union Government, Azi Augustine, took the oath of allegiance on behalf of the contingents, while Ogogo Godwin took the officials’ oath for the organisers. Both pledged fairness, integrity, and sportsmanship throughout the Games.
The NUGA torch was lit by Azi Augustine and Piscilla Osiri, signalling the start of competition.
More contingents continued arriving at the Naraguta Campus, as schedules and venues for over 20 events, including football, volleyball, handball, badminton, and scrabble, were confirmed.
At a technical meeting on 7 November, football group draws were revealed. Defending men’s champions University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) will not defend their title. Sixteen teams were divided into four groups, with a standout Group B derby between Lagos State University (LASU) and the University of Ibadan (UI). In the women’s competition, 2022 champions University of Lagos Angels lead Group D as 14 teams compete across four groups.
The Scrabble competition includes 26 universities competing in four categories, singles, doubles, team event, and the Best Board award, which honours the player with the highest number of wins, regardless of their team’s overall performance.
With the torch lit, drums beating, and the crowd celebrating, the NUGA 2025 Games are officially underway at the University of Jos.
Follow ACLSports for updates and exclusive coverage from the University of Jos throughout the tournament on X (@acl_sports) and TikTok (@aclsportshub).
By: David Simon, reporting from Jos, Plateau State
