Ado Salisu
The Federal Government has announced a pledge of ₦1 billion to the University of Jos for the completion of its sports facilities, as part of ongoing efforts to promote youth development and sports excellence across Nigerian universities.
The Chairman of the NUGA Technical Committee, Professor Musa Garba Yakasai, made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games, which attracted dignitaries including the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
According to Professor Yakasai, the funds will be disbursed through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), in line with the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to advancing sports infrastructure and talent development in tertiary institutions.
He revealed that 91 universities are currently competing in 23 sporting events, featuring over 7,000 athletes and 2,000 match officials.
Professor Yakasai, who also chairs the Sports Committee at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, and the National Sports Commission (NSC) led by Shehu Dikko for their financial and moral support towards ensuring the success of the games.
“On behalf of the NUGA executive members, we appreciate the Plateau State Government and other state governments for their support towards the University of Jos and NUGA,” he said.
The NUGA technical chairman urged all participants to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding the competition to ensure a smooth and hitch-free event, warning that the organisers would not condone any form of indiscipline capable of tarnishing the image of the games.
He further disclosed that the best-performing athletes would be selected to represent Nigeria at the next World University Games.