The 27th edition of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) competition was officially declared open today, Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the newly built stadium of the University of Jos, Plateau State.
The ceremony featured a colourful parade of participating universities, as their athletes marched around the stadium in beautifully designed attire representing their institutions. The Kaduna State University (KASU) contingent stood out in their elegant green and white home jerseys, reflecting pride and unity as they joined other schools in the grand display.
The event was attended by scores of personalities, including the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa,who officially declared the games open. Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Senator Grace Folashade, and several other notable dignitaries from across the country.
Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Nemten Mutuan, warmly welcomed all participants to the state. He urged the athletes to remain law-abiding, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and avoid the use of drugs and other prohibited substances.
Governor Mutuan further assured all participants of his administration’s commitment to ensuring adequate security for their lives and property throughout the duration of the games.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, pledged the university’s readiness to provide all necessary facilities and logistics for the smooth and successful conduct of what he described as a “memorable and historic NUGA Games, the first of its kind to be hosted by the institution.”
Meanwhile, fixtures released earlier placed Kaduna State University in Group A, alongside Delta State University, Ekiti State University, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. KASU is scheduled to play its first football match against Delta State University on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
In the Volleyball category, Kaduna State University will face Taraba State University on the same day at 8:30 a.m. Other events such as Shot Put, Taekwondo, and Track events (running) are slated to commence on Monday, November 10, 2025.
With the enthusiasm and energy displayed at the opening ceremony, expectations are high for a thrilling and competitive edition of the NUGA Games 2025, as universities from across the country vie for glory and excellence in sportsmanship.
Click to download the Opening Ceremony Program: https://kasu.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PROGRAM-COMPLETE.pdf