The 2025 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) has officially opened its accreditation phase at the University of Jos, Plateau State. As of Thursday morning, accreditation of athletes and officials was in full swing, signaling the start of one of the most anticipated sporting festivals in Nigerian tertiary education. The Nigeria Education News is live at the University of Jos the hot venue bringing comprehensive updates as the games build momentum ahead of Saturday’s official opening ceremony.
The arrival of contingents began yesterday and today, with student-athletes and coaches trooping into Jos from all corners of the country. The University of Jos campus has transformed into a colorful hub of sports energy, with banners, team chants, and cultural displays creating a lively atmosphere. Though some teams, including the University of Ilorin, are yet to arrive, preparations are in top gear for the grand kickoff this weekend.
This year’s edition, themed “Sports for National Cohesion and Youth Empowerment,” records participation from over seventy universities federal, state, and private cutting across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. The Nigeria Education News Team who were live at the event confirmed that accreditation is ongoing smoothly, with technical inspections, team verifications, and medical screenings taking place concurrently at designated centres on campus.
North Central Zone
The North Central region features nine universities. Federal institutions include the University of Ilorin, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Abuja, and the University of Jos, which doubles as the host. State universities are Kwara State University, Malete, IBB University, Lapai, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and Plateau State University, Bokkos. The zone boasts a balanced mix of institutions, representing the educational diversity of the Middle Belt.
North East Zone
From the North East come eight spirited universities: Federal institutions such as the University of Maiduguri, Federal University, Wukari, Federal University, Kashere, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola; and state universities including Adamawa State University, Mubi, Taraba State University, Jalingo, and Yobe State University, Damaturu. The North East contingent remains one of the most consistent in long-distance and field events.
North West Zone
The North West is equally represented, with the likes of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, and Federal University, Dutse forming the federal block. State-owned institutions include Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Northwest University, Kano, Sokoto State University, and Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa. The zone also features the private Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, highlighting the region’s growing investment in sports infrastructure.
South East Zone
The South East fielded nine universities, a combination of academic excellence and sportsmanship. Federal universities include University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. State institutions are Imo State University, Owerri, Abia State University, Uturu, and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), alongside Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The South East remains a consistent powerhouse in table tennis and volleyball.
South South Zone
The South South zone leads this year’s NUGA participation with an impressive twelve institutions, the highest number from any region. Federal participants include the University of Benin (UNIBEN), University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, and Niger Delta University, Amassoma. State-owned universities are Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Delta State University, Abraka, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Edo State University, Iyamho, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot-Akpadem, and Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa. Private universities such as Benson Idahosa University, Benin City further strengthen the zone’s dominance.
South West Zone
The South West zone presents a formidable team with eleven universities. Federal universities include University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). State universities are Ekiti State University (EKSU), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED). The zone’s representation is complemented by private entries like Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), reflecting its blend of academic excellence and sports commitment.
With this spread, the South South zone emerges as the lead line in the 2025 NUGA games, not only in terms of the number of participating institutions but also in readiness and enthusiasm. Its vibrant representation underscores the region’s strong educational and infrastructural base, making it the center of attraction as the games begin in earnest.
According to the NUGA accreditation team, “We have seen a record turnout this year, and accreditation is progressing steadily. The South South leads in attendance, but every zone has shown remarkable organization and commitment. By Saturday, we expect all teams to be fully settled and the competitions to begin officially.”
As the accreditation continues, the University of Jos management has assured that all logistics, including medical services, accommodation, and transportation, are well-coordinated. The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, expressed optimism that the event would showcase Jos as a peaceful and vibrant city of sports and intellect.
Delegates, media teams, and volunteers have commended the host university’s organization. Security personnel from the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, and university marshals have been deployed to maintain order as thousands of athletes and supporters converge on the campus.
The atmosphere remains electric, with rehearsals ongoing for Saturday’s grand opening ceremony. Students have been seen taking photographs and recording videos around the sports complex, capturing memories even before the games commence fully.
Beyond competition, the NUGA Games symbolize national integration through education and sports. Each zone’s presence reinforces the shared dream of using athletics to foster unity, health, and youth development across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Observers have praised NUGA’s inclusivity, noting that private and state universities are now as actively involved as their federal counterparts. This evolution signifies Nigeria’s expanding commitment to sporting excellence and academic collaboration.
As Saturday approaches, anticipation continues to rise. Athletes are finalizing practice sessions, coaches are conducting tactical meetings, and the University of Jos campus is glowing with banners, drums, and team colors in preparation for the opening parade.
In conclusion, NUGA 2025 stands as a symbol of unity, strength, and youthful passion. The diversity of participants from the historic University of Ibadan to the fast-growing Afe Babalola University reflects Nigeria’s academic and cultural richness.
The Nigeria Education News remains live at the University of Jos, Plateau State, bringing you real-time coverage of accreditation, ceremonies, competitions, and victories as the 2025 NUGA Games officially begin on Saturday.
