The Nigeria Education News Team is live at the University of Jos, currently at the accreditation centre situated within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine — the designated venue for the accreditation of participants in the 2025 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) tournament. The event, which has drawn delegations from universities across Nigeria, officially marks the beginning of the long-anticipated games in Jos.
According to earlier reports from the NUGA Media and Communication Office, accreditation was expected to commence today, Wednesday, November 6, 2025, by 10 a.m. However, on arrival at the centre, our correspondents observed that the environment remained calm and largely inactive, with no visible signs of preparation or movement from officials. The usual bustle associated with such events was noticeably missing.
When The Nigeria Education News approached a security officer stationed at the building, he confirmed that the accreditation exercise was indeed scheduled for 10 a.m. but expressed frustration at the delay. According to him, “The time is correct, but the NUGA committee is not well-organized yet. They are still trying to put things together, and that’s why nothing has started.” His comment reflected the general sense of disarray observed at the scene.
Several early arrivals, including team delegates and journalists, were seen waiting patiently outside the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine building. Some of them expressed mild disappointment at the slow start, though many remained optimistic that the organizers would soon resolve the situation. The University of Jos campus, otherwise vibrant with incoming athletes, appeared temporarily subdued around the accreditation point.
To confirm the situation officially, The Nigeria Education News reached out to the Media and Communication Officer of the 2025 NUGA Games, Miss Chidiebere Ezeani. In her response, she acknowledged the delay and offered an apology on behalf of the organizing committee. She explained that the postponement was necessary due to some last-minute technical adjustments being made to streamline the accreditation process.
Miss Ezeani revealed that the committee was currently finalizing access codes and identification systems for participants and officials. She assured that these measures were being taken to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and security during the registration process. “We understand the delay has caused some inconvenience,” she said, “but we are committed to starting by noon once all technical preparations are complete.”
Consequently, the accreditation time was officially moved from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. According to the NUGA communications office, the shift was aimed at giving the committee adequate time to finalize logistics and avoid confusion once the process begins. Officials added that it was better to start late and get it right than to begin early and encounter administrative setbacks.
Despite the late start, the excitement surrounding the games has not diminished. The University of Jos campus continues to receive athletes and officials from different institutions, each eager to represent their schools in the spirit of sportsmanship and national unity. The 2025 NUGA Games promise to showcase the very best of student athletics, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which hosts the accreditation centre, is expected to see an influx of participants by midday as registration finally commences. Volunteers and student marshals were seen arriving gradually, signaling that preparations were picking up. There is a growing sense of anticipation that the process will soon fall into place.
Observers note that while delays of this nature are not uncommon in large-scale events, better coordination and communication could have helped reduce early confusion. Some athletes who arrived as early as 8 a.m. had been left waiting without clear direction. Nonetheless, most remained calm, taking the delay in stride as part of the challenges that accompany major university events.
The organizing committee has assured that the delay in accreditation will not affect the overall schedule of the NUGA Games. Once accreditation is completed, athletes will proceed to their various hostels and competition venues for the official opening ceremony and subsequent games. Organizers have pledged to maintain transparency and efficiency throughout the event.
The Nigeria Education News will continue to provide live updates from the University of Jos as the 2025 NUGA Games unfold. From the accreditation centre at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to the sports arenas across campus, our correspondents remain on ground to bring timely, reliable, and detailed reports as the excitement of university sports comes alive once again in Jos.
