By Mary John, Labaika Quadiri Olatunde and Ojedeji Olapade Micheal
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, officially inaugurated the Central Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2024 edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), set to be hosted by our esteemed institution.
In his address at the ceremony, held on Wednesday, November 8, at the Red Chambers Hall within the Faculty of Social Sciences, Naraguta campus, Prof. Ishaya emphasized the primary goal of establishing the LOC: to ensure the successful hosting of the university games, one that will be etched into the annals of history as the most triumphant.
He stressed the collective effort required to achieve this aspiration, stating, “Management cannot do it alone. The NUGA committee cannot do it alone. We must unite—the students and staff—to ensure the fulfillment of our mandate. And our mandate is to host the best NUGA that Nigerian students have ever witnessed.”
Professor Ishaya went on to outline the institution’s vision for this undertaking, assuring the students that the outcome would fill them with pride. He added, “We have a plan for what we want to do, and I can assure you that by the time we achieve what we want in hosting NUGA, you will be proud and will continue to be proud students at this University.”
Acknowledging infrastructural challenges, the Vice-Chancellor promised stakeholders that positive changes were on the horizon, even though hurdles existed.
In a significant announcement, the Vice-Chancellor pledged full scholarships to University of Jos students who achieve gold medals at the games. He expressed his gratitude to committee members for accepting their roles and urged them to contribute their expertise, contacts, and make sacrifices to ensure the successful hosting of the games.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), who spoke on behalf of the committee members, articulated that the central aim of hosting these games was to secure victories and elevate the institution to the ranks of the world’s leading academic institutions.
“The mission of this administration is to use NUGA as a stepping stone to upgrade our sports infrastructure, making it one of the best in Nigerian universities. Soon, we will be hosting the Super Eagles. Soon, we will be hosting international sporting events,” the Deputy Vice-Chancellor affirmed.
The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Christopher Piwuna, revealed that the estimated budget for the games was N15 billion, with nearly 60% of the required funding already secured.
The inauguration of a 27-person LOC, comprising internal and external members of the university, was a significant milestone. The committee is to be chaired by Vice-Chancellor Tanko Ishaya, with Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan and Dr. Amos Adamu, former Executive Committee Member of FIFA, serving as the first and second Executive Chairmen, respectively.
Other prominent members of the Central LOC include:
Dr. Rejoice Songden – Registrar University of Jos – member
Mr Philip Umbugala – Bursar University of Jos – member
Prof. Ishaya Pam – Chairman University of Jos Sport and Management Committee – Member
Prof. Andrew Haruna – former Vice-chancellor, Federal University of Gashua – member
Dr. Christopher Piwuna – Dean of Student Affairs, University of Jos – member
Dr. Kabiru Musa Ibrahim – Emir of Azara – member
Ambassador Bagudu M. Hirse – Excutive Chaiman Highland Steel and Allied industrt Limited – Member
Hon. Bashir Lawandi Datti – Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sport – Member
Pastor Nuhu Sanni – University of Jos Alumni Association – Member
Prof Jennifer Audu Peter – Member
Prof Patricia Lar – Member
Prof. Esther Envuladu – Member
Mallam Alhassan Yakmut – Member
Mr. Jibrin Samuel Okutepa SAN – Member
Me Kefas Roshshik – Member
Brig. General Jon Temlong (RTD) – Member
Dr Ahmed Abu Bawa – Member
Mr Yakubu Gomos – Member
Mr Nandye Dabugat – Member
Dr Samuel B. Kayit- Member
Chairmen of all University of Jos NUGA Sub-committees
Longmun Josiah Dakon – President SUG – Member
Mr Abdullahi A. Abdullahi – SD (Information and Publication) – Member
Dr Chinelo Ezekulie – Secretary
Furthermore, it was agreed that the chairpersons of the subcommittees to be formed for the games would automatically become members of the Central LOC upon their appointment.
Students at the University of Jos expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming games. Peace Isama, a 200-level student of the Mass Communication department, stated, “The NUGA games is an amazing initiative and an awesome opportunity for growth on the side of both students and the University management. The speakers today were articulate and provided clarity on what to expect, sparking excitement. I feel optimistic about these games and can’t wait to be part of it.”
Another student who wished to remain anonymous added, “The hosting of NUGA is a boost for the University of Jos and Plateau State at large. By hosting about 6,000 participants from all over the country, this initiative is sure to have a positive impact on the state’s economy. Moreover, it will provide students with the avenue to showcase their talents to the world, build relationships, and the facilities that will be built for the competition will benefit the institution’s students for years to come.”
The 27th edition of the NUGA games, scheduled for November 2024, is anticipated to draw approximately 6,000 participants from 75 universities across the nation.
