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University of Jos (UNIJOS) is set to host students and sports delegates from over 22 universities in the 27th edition of the Nigeria University Games (NUGA). The 10-day event will commence from November 6 to 10, 2025. The Global President University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA), Dr. Gad Shamaki, who spoke with LEADERSHIP in Jos, said the event is far more than physical competition but a platform for unity, peace and development. He added that the NUGA Games provide an ideal platform to bring students together from every corner of Nigeria, transcending ethnic, religious and regional divides. At the University of Jos, the mascot “Indi”, the Jos Indigo bird, has been unveiled to symbolise this very ethos: Unity, Play and Peace. He maintained that participation in organised sports cultivates discipline, teamwork, leadership, respect for rules and for one’s opponent, stressing that these ingredients strengthen social cohesion and foster peaceful interaction within the university community and beyond. “In today’s Nigeria, where the youth population is vast and aspirations high, such a national contest becomes a gathering ground for potential: not just athletes chasing medals but young people forging friendships, connecting across states and learning the values of fair-play and mutual respect. “By providing a safe structured environment for competition and interaction the NUGA Games help turn sport into a tool for unity and peace.Beyond the field of play, hosting the games presents tangible socioeconomic opportunities for Plateau State and for the University of Jos as the anchor institution,” he said. Shamaki further said the influx of student/athletes, officials, media and visitors will stimulate the local economy, adding that specific sectors like accommodation, food services, transportation, tourism and informal trade will benefit as well. “This is a chance to showcase the hospitality and capacity of Plateau’s businesses and workforce. The infrastructure investments made in preparation will leave a lasting legacy. At the University of Jos new sporting facilities were built or upgraded in anticipation of the event.” The global president also pointed out that these facilities will serve future generations of students and athletes, adding that the economic benefits are short, medium and long-term. He said the event hosting such a national event helps raise the profile of Plateau State domestically. “It sends a message to investors, to government agencies and to tourists that this is a place capable of organising a major national event. This kind of reputation can help attract further sporting, cultural and educational events and positively boost state development. According to him, for the athletes, it is a moment to shine, to connect, to promote and to champion peace while University of Jos opens the gates for this landmark event, the 27th NU22GA Games stand to be much more than a mere sports competition. “The game will celebrate excellence in body and mind, promote unity among Nigeria’s diverse student population and deliver social and economic dividends to Plateau State,” he said.
