The 27th edition of the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) concluded in a spectacular fashion at the University of Jos, Plateau State, leaving lasting memories of athletic excellence, spirited competition, and celebration. The Nigeria Education News was on the ground throughout the tournament, capturing live updates, reactions, and medal ceremonies that highlighted the intensity and prestige of this year’s NUGA Games.
At the top of the overall medal table, Benson Idahosa University (BIU) emerged as the best-performing institution. The university claimed a total of 25 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals, making 34 medals in all. BIU’s dominance was particularly evident in swimming, where their athletes consistently broke personal bests and led every race in which they participated. Their table tennis players also delivered a flawless performance, showcasing tactical brilliance, agility, and precision in their matches.
The excitement around BIU’s performance was palpable. Spectators, students, and fellow athletes watched in awe as the team’s swimmers celebrated gold after gold, often hugging teammates and coaches after victories. The coordination and discipline displayed by BIU in table tennis and swimming demonstrated the university’s systematic approach to athlete development and preparation.
In second place was the host university, University of Jos (UNIJOS), which secured 18 gold, 15 silver, and 17 bronze medals, totaling 50 medals, the highest cumulative count at the tournament. UNIJOS’ success was particularly pronounced in female basketball, where the team remained unbeaten, displaying speed, cohesion, and sharp tactical execution throughout the tournament. Their finals match drew a packed crowd to the Indoor Sports Hall, with loud cheers and applause filling the arena.
UNIJOS’ female basketball triumph was not the only highlight. The university also excelled in athletics, volleyball, and taekwondo, with athletes demonstrating endurance, skill, and resilience. Coaches and officials were seen offering live support to their teams, ensuring strategies were executed flawlessly. Students from UNIJOS were equally jubilant, waving banners, singing school anthems, and celebrating every medal won by their athletes.
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) came third on the medal table, earning 15 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals, summing to 34 medals, equaling BIU’s total but trailing in gold count. UNIBEN’s athletes showcased class and determination, particularly in track events and combat sports. Their consistent performances ensured that they remained in contention for top honors throughout the games, and their delegation was noted for their organization and sportsmanship.
The official closing ceremony was a grand spectacle, with The Nigeria Education News providing live coverage of every moment. Vice-Chancellor of UNIJOS, Professor Tanko Ishaya, personally presented prizes to the top three universities. He announced that UNIBEN, as the third-place university, would receive ₦1,000,000, recognizing their remarkable achievements and dedication. The UNIBEN delegation received the award with jubilant applause, reflecting the pride in their performance.
Following this, the VC declared that UNIJOS, the host and second-place university, would be awarded ₦2,000,000. The moment was met with loud celebrations from the home crowd, as athletes, coaches, and supporters expressed their excitement. Students were seen taking group photos, waving flags, and chanting in honor of their university’s hard work and achievements.
The grand prize of ₦3,000,000 was then awarded to Benson Idahosa University, the overall top-performing university. The award elicited scenes of jubilation, as BIU athletes and officials embraced, waved flags, and sang victory songs. Coaches were praised by NUGA officials for their leadership, training, and motivation, which contributed significantly to the university’s success.
Athletes from all universities expressed admiration for their competitors throughout the tournament, emphasizing that NUGA not only celebrates victory but also sportsmanship, unity, and the spirit of fair play. The Nigeria Education News captured interviews where athletes acknowledged the support of their coaches, families, and universities, and reflected on their personal achievements.
The award ceremony also highlighted the importance of supporting university sports across Nigeria. Officials and observers noted that the financial prizes and institutional recognition would inspire universities to invest further in training facilities, coaching staff, and athlete development, raising the standard of university sports nationwide.
During the live coverage, viewers saw athletes from different universities interact warmly, exchanging jerseys, congratulating one another, and taking selfies, a vivid demonstration of friendship and camaraderie fostered by NUGA. The event underscored the role of sports in promoting unity and healthy competition among Nigeria’s youth.
The NUGA officials commended the University of Jos for hosting an impeccably organized event. From accommodation to venues, logistics, and security, everything was managed efficiently, ensuring smooth progression of competitions across 23 sports. Many athletes remarked that Jos had set a new benchmark for hosting future NUGA editions.
As the games came to a close, athletes and officials expressed gratitude to NUGA, participating universities, and sponsors who made the event possible. The VC, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, lauded all participants for demonstrating discipline, resilience, and excellence, emphasizing that the games are not merely about winning medals, but fostering national unity and developing future leaders.
In conclusion, the 27th NUGA Games will be remembered for Benson Idahosa University’s commanding performance, UNIJOS’ proud hosting and dominance in female basketball, and UNIBEN’s unwavering consistency across disciplines. The Nigeria Education News witnessed every medal awarded, every cheer, and every celebration, bringing readers a comprehensive live experience of Nigeria’s premier university sports festival.
