President Bola Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the 2025 Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA).
Group Chairman of Royal CBS, Khalifah Onu, said this at the end of a strategic roadmap session for the 2025 NUGA Games and a celebration of the Eid El Kabir festival at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
The 26th NUGA Games is scheduled to take place between November 6 and 16 at the University of Jos.
Onu said the association was partnering with the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Youth Development, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other relevant agencies ahead of the championship. He stated that the 2025 University Games would stand out due to its structured roadmap and the solid backing of President Tinubu, whom he praised for his dedication to youth development.
He stressed that the impact of the competition would go beyond a single year, aiming to empower young people and help them become champions on the international stage throughout their careers.
According to him, NUGA 2025 is also aimed at promoting peace and unity in communities where divisions exist.
He noted that NUGA had been absent from the national spotlight for some time, which has affected its visibility and impact. He promised a renewed strategy that would uplift youth from the grassroots.
“Now that it’s our responsibility, we are working hard to use NUGA as a platform to empower university students, create jobs, and distribute wealth,” Onu added.
He urged participating universities to give their best and maintain discipline, emphasising that this year’s tournament could open global opportunities for the athletes.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya—represented by Mr. Abaji Adankala—expressed satisfaction with the preparations.
He noted that the consulting team is meeting expectations in promoting the upcoming NUGA Games. “As the host university, we feel very pleased with their readiness,” he said.
Prof. Ishaya, however, disclosed that preparations are currently at ninety per cent and expressed confidence in the university’s capacity to successfully host the national event.
Also, the Group Director-General of Royal CBS, Ataboh Shehu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young sporting talents across the region.
He added that the aim is to emulate the sports development structures seen in Western countries, where young athletes are discovered early, supported with scholarships, and guided to build careers in sports development.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
