As the 2025 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) officially opens this weekend at the University of Jos, questions have surfaced over why only a fraction of Nigeria’s universities are participating in the event. Out of an estimated 298 licensed universities across the country comprising 74 federal, 67 state, and 159 private institutions only 74 universities, alongside 15 observer institutions, made the final list of participants. Despite the excitement and the national attention on the event, the reduced turnout has sparked conversations on logistics, funding, and institutional preparedness.
The Nigeria Education News, reporting live from Jos, gathered that several factors have limited the number of universities competing this year. While the enthusiasm for sports among students remains high, many institutions, particularly newly licensed universities and some private institutions, lack the sports facilities and funding required for large-scale participation. Organising inter-university games involves significant expenses like travel, accommodation, feeding, equipment, and medical logistics which many smaller institutions find difficult to sustain without strong financial backing.
Some state universities cited funding constraints as a major barrier. With many state governments struggling to meet salary obligations and manage budget shortfalls, sports competitions often rank low on their list of priorities. A senior official from one of the northern state universities disclosed that their management decided to suspend NUGA participation this year to “focus on academic stability and infrastructural rehabilitation,” given the institution’s limited finances.
Similarly, many private universities, though growing in number, remain largely academic-focused and are yet to develop full-fledged sports programs. Most private schools also operate under strict academic calendars, leaving little room for extended breaks or extracurricular commitments such as national games. This academic rigidity makes it difficult for them to release athletes for the duration of the event, which spans several days and requires early arrival for accreditation and training.
Another reason for the limited participation, according to NUGA insiders, is accreditation compliance. Only universities that meet the association’s membership and sports infrastructure standards are cleared to compete. Some universities were invited as observers to understand the process and prepare for future editions. These observer schools are expected to develop sports councils and facilities before they can fully participate in subsequent NUGA events.
The withdrawal of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) added another dimension to the conversation. Despite earlier preparations, the university recently shut down its plans to attend the Jos games, citing internal administrative and logistical setbacks. Though no official statement was released at the event, the development came as a surprise to many, considering UNILORIN’s long-standing reputation in university sports. Their absence, however, underscores how even well-established institutions face operational hurdles in such large-scale competitions.
Regional representation has also been uneven. Most participating universities come from the South-South and North-Central zones, which currently dominate in institutional readiness and sports infrastructure. In contrast, some North-East and South-East universities could not make the journey due to distance, security concerns, or travel costs. NUGA officials revealed that the University of Jos was chosen as host not just for its central location, but for its commitment to inclusivity and security assurance amid national challenges.
The ongoing accreditation at the University of Jos has further highlighted the strict standards governing the event. Teams are required to verify their athletes’ eligibility, ensure compliance with academic status requirements, and confirm institutional approvals. According to the local organising committee, the process will continue until Friday, while the games are set to begin in full swing on Saturday, with athletics, football, basketball, and other sports opening the contest.
While 74 universities may appear small compared to the total number in Nigeria, NUGA officials have defended the turnout as “representative and strategic.” They argue that the competition prioritizes quality participation over quantity, aiming to ensure that only qualified institutions with the right structures compete. This approach, they believe, maintains the integrity of the games and encourages gradual sports development across the university system.
Many people our team engaged with today also point out that the disparity between the number of licensed universities and active participants reflects broader issues in the Nigerian education sector. Many newly established universities are still grappling with basic infrastructural challenges, accreditation hurdles, and funding gaps, making sports participation a distant goal. Until the government and stakeholders address these foundational issues, national sporting inclusivity may remain a challenge.
Still, the atmosphere in Jos remains electric as universities arrive from different zones, setting the stage for what promises to be a spirited and colourful edition of NUGA. The Nigeria Education News team, live at the University of Jos, reports that athletes, coaches, and supporters are already filling the campus with anticipation and excitement. As accreditation wraps up and the games commence on Saturday, the focus will shift from the number of participating schools to the quality of performance, sportsmanship, and unity that the NUGA games symbolize across Nigeria’s tertiary landscape.
