Ado Salisu
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have emerged winners of the Inter-Union Sports Competition organised by Northwest University, Kano.
The competition, held at the university’s permanent site in Tudun Yola, was organised by the Directorate of Sports under the leadership of Malam Ahmad Surajo to strengthen cordial relationships among staff unions and promote teamwork for the overall development of the institution.
ASUU won the football event after securing seven points from three matches, while NAAT claimed the titles in the chess and table tennis events.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, described sports as an important tool for fostering unity and improving the health and well-being of staff and students.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tijjani Buhari, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the numerous benefits of sports and assured participants of the university management’s continued support for the Directorate of Sports to achieve its objectives.
She commended the participating unions for their patience, understanding and cooperation, which contributed to the successful and hitch-free conduct of the competition, urging them to sustain the spirit of sportsmanship in future championships.
Professor Bayero disclosed that the Directorate of Sports would soon organise inter-faculty competitions to discover talented athletes ahead of the 2026 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), scheduled to hold in Calabar, Cross River State, in November.
She also appealed to philanthropists, corporate organisations and governments at all levels to support the university in providing world-class sports facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor commended Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support to the university and reaffirmed the management’s commitment to promoting excellence in academics and sports development.
Earlier, the Director of Sports, Malam Ahmad Surajo, expressed appreciation to the university management, participating unions and students for their cooperation throughout the tournament.
He urged student-athletes to intensify their training in preparation for the forthcoming NUGA Games, with the aim of achieving outstanding performances.
The event featured the presentation of medals, certificates and trophies to winners in football, chess and table tennis.