The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, says the university is adopting a “City Games” approach for the 26th Nigerian Universities’ Games Association (NUGA) Games with a view to heightening awareness and impacting more people across Lagos State with the noble ideals of NUGA.
Professor Ogundipe made this known on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 when he received the NUGA President; Professor Stephen Hamafyelto and other members of the Main Organizing Committee in his office.
The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development Services, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa noted that through the NUGA-UNILAG 2022 which commences next month, UNILAG intends to launch a fresh perspective of NUGA which will resonate with all and sundry.
While briefing the NUGA President and his team on the university’s level of preparedness for the biennial universities’ sports fiesta, Prof. Atsenuwa recalled meetings and interactions with former NUGA athletes and medallists among whom is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, University of Ibadan, Professor Aderonke Bayeroju and the nostalgic experiences.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor who also co-heads the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 26th NUGA Games affirmed the desire of UNILAG (being the host institution) to reawaken a sense of ownership among all former NUGA athletes as well as bequeath a legacy of permanent sponsors for the University Games.
In his remarks, President, Nigerian Universities’ Games Association (NUGA), Professor Stephen Hamafyelto commended the management of the University of Lagos for the quality of ideas and efforts so far put in place.
Professor Hamafyelto said the NUGA Main Organizing Committee was in UNILAG for first-hand interaction with all stakeholders as well as to assess facilities and provide guidance where needed as the clock races down to the March 16 kick-off date.
The NUGA President identified lack of sponsorships and non-implementation of various Sports inclined policies as factors which have hampered the growth of NUGA over the decades.
While challenging UNILAG management to promote a dual career perspective through the NUGA Games, Professor Hamafyelto assured of the NUGA National Secretariat’s readiness to reinforce Education, Sports and Culture through the 26th NUGA.
The NUGA 2022 competition is slated to hold between Wednesday 16th and Saturday, 26th of March, 2022.
The sporting fiesta will see UNILAG playing host to about 10,000 athletes, so far, 75 Universities have secured slots to compete for medals in various sports while no fewer than 50 universities will participate as observers.
