The 27th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) currently held at the University of Jos has not only showcased athletic talent but also reflected the strength of student leadership and unity within the host institution. In an exclusive interview with The Nigeria Education News, Jane Kangyang Pivajok, the Student Union Government (SUG) President of the University of Jos, shared deep insights about the university’s role as host, her journey as a female student leader, and the safety of Jos amidst public misconceptions.
Speaking with this reporter at the NUGA Games venue, Pivajok expressed excitement at the university’s hosting rights and the massive participation of students. “We have over 300 athletes or sports contingents participating from the University of Jos,” she said proudly. “Our first role as the SUG is to encourage our students, cheer them on, ensure they are well-fed, and that their welfare is properly taken care of. We are not just hosting to participate, we are hosting to win.”
She explained that the students’ union plays a vital role in supporting the athletes through morale boosting, logistics, and welfare coordination. According to her, the Games have brought the university community together in a spirit of unity and competition. “As student leaders, we want to make sure every student representing the University of Jos feels the full support of the entire campus,” she added.
Addressing an incident from the opening ceremony where her name was initially omitted from the program lineup, Pivajok described it as an unintentional oversight that was quickly corrected. “It was an error that the SUG president wasn’t included to give a goodwill message, and I appreciate the Vice-Chancellor for immediately stepping in to rectify that,” she explained. “After all, NUGA Games are for students. You can’t have NUGA without university students.”
She went further to emphasize that NUGA represents the spirit of the Nigerian student. “The Games are for the university and, primarily, for the students. You can’t even register without your matric number and student ID. So, student representation must always be at the center,” she noted.
As one of the few female SUG presidents in Nigeria, Pivajok shared her thoughts on gender and leadership. “University of Jos is dynamic and forward-thinking,” she said. “The fact that students entrusted me with this mandate shows the level of maturity and inclusiveness we have achieved. Our students are ready to look beyond gender, religion, or faculty lines when choosing who is competent to lead.”
She highlighted that her election reflects a growing shift toward inclusivity in Nigerian universities. “Regardless of gender, the students here are more concerned about capacity and credibility,” she said. “This is a sign that our student community is evolving politically and socially.”
When asked about common misconceptions about Jos being unsafe, Pivajok was quick to correct them. “First, let me clarify that Plateau State is not the North; we are Middle Belt,” she stated firmly. “Secondly, I can assure you that Jos is safer than Abuja, even safer than some parts of Lagos. People only tend to amplify negative news, while the positives rarely make headlines.”
She continued, “I’ve lived in Jos all my life, and it’s peaceful. When something good happens here, nobody talks about it. But once something bad happens, social media spreads it everywhere. The truth is, Jos is calm and the people are hospitable.”
Pivajok expressed optimism that the arrival of thousands of athletes and delegates from across Nigeria will help change these misconceptions. “Now that people are here for the NUGA Games, they will see for themselves that Jos is safe. No one has been harassed or attacked. Everyone can see the beauty and peace of this city,” she assured.
On the report that the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) opted out of the Games citing insecurity, she expressed disbelief. “Were they attacked or threatened? You can’t arrive in a city and suddenly claim insecurity issues,” she queried. “It’s their loss, honestly for the medals they could have won, the friendships they could have made, and the exposure they could have gained.”
The SUG president urged other institutions to verify facts before making assumptions. “It’s not fair to judge a place without visiting. We all hear things about different parts of Nigeria Lagos, Abia, Borno but that shouldn’t stop us from engaging or exploring,” she said. “For UNILORIN, it’s a missed opportunity.”
Turning to infrastructure, Pivajok praised the university for its efforts in improving sporting facilities despite some ongoing works. “Some of the facilities are still under construction, yes, but the progress is impressive,” she said. “The taekwondo arena being built was donated by South Korea, and the tennis and basketball courts recently commissioned are of international standard.”
She admitted that some indoor facilities are yet to be completed but insisted that the quality of what has been achieved so far is “world class.” “The vision is to make the University of Jos a central hub for university sports development in Nigeria,” she stated confidently.
Pivajok also appreciated the university management for its cooperation with the student body. “The relationship between the SUG and the Vice-Chancellor is cordial. He listens to us, supports student engagement, and promotes inclusion,” she affirmed.
Her leadership, she said, is focused on student welfare, unity, and security. “We are proactive. We work with security agencies and the university’s internal team to ensure every student feels safe both on campus and in hostels,” she said. “The NUGA Games are proof that Jos is not only secure but also capable of hosting large-scale national events successfully.”
As the NUGA 2025 Games continue, Pivajok’s words serve as both a reassurance and a rallying cry. “This is not just about winning medals,” she concluded. “It’s about showcasing the resilience, unity, and brilliance of Nigerian students. And for us at the University of Jos, we’re proud to lead that narrative as hosts, as competitors, and as ambassadors of peace.”
With her calm yet confident tone, Jane Kangyang Pivajok stands out not only as the face of student leadership at the University of Jos but also as a symbol of a new generation of inclusive and visionary university governance in Nigeria.
