The 27th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) at the University of Jos has gathered some of the best student-athletes, coaches, and sports administrators from across the nation. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of competition and unity, The Nigerian Education News caught up with Dr. Adjibua Michael Alayode, the Director of Sports at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and Acting President of NUGA, for an in-depth conversation about the success, challenges, and lessons from the 2025 NUGA Games.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Adjibua speaks with candor about the logistics, officiating standards, media relations, and his dual role as both NUGA president and sports director at FUTA.
Q: Good afternoon, sir. Can we meet you?
A: Thank you very much. My name is Dr. Adjibua Michael Alayode, the Director of Sports at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and currently serving as the Acting President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). I’ve been deeply involved in university sports administration for years, and it’s a great honor to be leading the coordination of this 27th edition of NUGA Games here at the University of Jos.
Q: How would you describe the 2025 NUGA Games so far, taking place here at the University of Jos?
A: So far, it has been a highly successful outing, though, of course, not without a few logistical hiccups which are normal when organizing a multi-sport event of this scale. The truth is, this year’s edition is monumental for us because it’s the largest NUGA Games ever held. We are hosting 91 participating universities, compared to 79 at the last edition held at the University of Lagos. That alone is a remarkable achievement.
The host university, the University of Jos, has done an exceptional job preparing facilities and ensuring that contingents from different parts of the country are well received. Naturally, we’ve had to deal with challenges such as accommodation coordination, transportation logistics, and scheduling adjustments, but all the Directors of Sports from the various universities have shown great cooperation. We are all working together to ensure that the athletes have a memorable and fair competition.
Generally, it’s been a success story that shows the growth of university sports in Nigeria and the importance of investing in young people.
Q: Have there been any technical challenges or complaints regarding officiating so far?
A: No, not at all. One thing we have made sure of this year is that the officiating team is highly professional and transparent. I can confidently say that the referees and judges have conducted themselves with integrity.
For instance, in the football match between FUTA and UNIMAID, the officials were fair, disciplined, and consistent throughout the game. We’ve not recorded any formal report of malpractice or bias. Every result so far has been based purely on merit and performance. I must commend the organizing committee and the technical officials for maintaining high standards across all events.
Q: Some members of the media have raised concerns about inadequate information regarding event schedules and venues. What is your take on that?
A: Yes, I’ve heard such complaints, and while there might be some truth in it, I also want to stress that communication is a two-way process. The media must be proactive in seeking accurate information.
We have a functional secretariat right here at the University of Jos, which is responsible for coordinating all official updates, schedules, and venue changes. My advice to all journalists covering the Games is to build a friendly relationship with the secretariat staff. They have the most up-to-date information.
That said, we are improving our internal communication too. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is working closely with the media desk to ensure that any changes to match times or venues are relayed promptly to reporters. Going forward, we plan to strengthen that channel even more because the media plays a critical role in how NUGA’s image is projected to the wider public.
Q: During today’s match, you were seen actively supporting and instructing your team. As the Acting NUGA President, some might say you should remain neutral. What’s your response to that?
A: (Laughs) No, no, no I understand where that question is coming from. But the truth is, I wear two hats here. My primary assignment is that of the Director of Sports at FUTA, and I was employed originally as a football coach. Presently, FUTA doesn’t have a full-time football coach, so I have to assist my team when the need arises.
The assistant coach currently helping me is actually one of my former players who graduated from FUTA. So, my presence on the touchline isn’t about favoritism or interference, it’s about guidance and mentorship.
If I had any undue influence as the Acting NUGA President, then surely, my team would have won their match. But we lost 2–0, which clearly shows that the competition is fair and transparent. My involvement is purely professional, and I make sure not to overstep the boundaries of my administrative duties.
I believe in fairness, but I also believe in leadership by example. As someone who has devoted his career to university sports, I cannot completely detach myself from coaching; it’s part of who I am.
Q: What key lessons has NUGA learned from organizing this edition?
A: The most important lesson is that growth comes with greater responsibility. Expanding from 79 to 91 institutions has shown us that logistics, infrastructure, and information management must evolve too. We’ve seen areas to improve such as communication flow, contingency planning, and inter-university coordination but we’ve also seen tremendous progress.
Another takeaway is the importance of collaboration. The success of this edition is not because of one person; it’s a collective effort involving the host university, the LOC, sports directors, volunteers, technical officials, and even the media. When all these sectors work together, we show the world what Nigerian universities are capable of.
Q: What would you say to the athletes competing in these Games?
A: My message to them is simple: compete with integrity, passion, and discipline. University sports are not just about winning medals they are about building character, teamwork, and resilience. Whether you win or lose, you are representing your university, your family, and ultimately, Nigeria. Avoid using performance-enhancing substances, respect the rules, and remember that education remains your primary focus. Sports and academics can coexist if approached with balance and dedication.
Q: Thank you very much for your time, sir.
A: You’re welcome. It’s been a pleasure. I must commend The Nigerian Education News for its commitment to covering the NUGA Games in detail. Media organizations like yours help sustain interest in university sports and showcase the brilliance of young Nigerians. Together, we are building the future of sports in this country.
This interview captures the pulse of NUGA 2025, a celebration of youthful energy, institutional pride, and national unity. Through Dr. Adjibua’s insights, it’s clear that while challenges exist, the vision for a stronger, better-coordinated NUGA remains alive and well, powered by the resilience and optimism that define Nigeria’s academic and sporting community.
