Executive Secretary of the University of Lagos’ (UNILAG) Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Local Organising Committee, Dr. Joseph Awoyinfa, has promised that the school will host one of the most successful events since NUGA Games started next year.
He spoke at the unveiling ceremony that attracted students of the institution, Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, celebrities like Don Jazzy and actress, Bisola Aiyeola. He said UNILAG, which hosted the 1968, 1978 and 1998 editions of the games, would successfully host the 2022 NUGA games.
According to Awoyinfa, UNILAG defeated the University of Jos 76-67 points to get the hosting rights of the 26th edition of the games, which holds from March 16 to March 27, 2022.
He said that COVID-19 pandemic delayed and caused the postponement of the games since last year, adding that he is proud that the event has become a reality.
“We’re happy to host the next games, tagged ‘A City NUGA’. We are definitely hosting to win as we work hard to prepare our athletes and ensure that our sporting facilities are in top shape. The games comes up every two years and every institution wants to use the opportunity to showcase its abundant talents, and most importantly, rebuild its sporting facilities to world standard,” he said.
Awoyinfa said the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, worked hard from the onset to make the games a reality, adding that they are ready to showcase the best sporting facilities the nation could boast of.
“It is now left for the government to fulfill their side of the agreement as we have fulfilled ours. Our students should get ready for the best NUGA Games. I urge everyone to participate, either as spectators or athletes, make sure you are involved in one way or the other.
“NUGA Games are about the students, we want to showcase the students of this university and show they are the best in terms of sports, academics, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
He also disclosed that the event would have no fewer than 10,000 students and 136 public/private institutions competing for honours in 17 sporting events.
He charged the corporate world and the Federal Government to support UNILAG in actualising the event.
