The University of Calabar, UNICAL, as been announced as the host to the Nigerian University Games Association, NUGA, after 35 years. The last time the institution hosted the NUGA games was under Professor Charles E. Effiong regime as the Vice Chancellor.
The historic announcement was made by NUGA Acting President, Dr. Michael A. Ajibua, alongside Secretary-General, Mr. Yunusa M. Bazza, and Chairman Technical, Prof. Musa G. Yakasai, during a courtesy visit to institution Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.
Prof. Obi the 11th substantive and first female Vice Chancellor of the citadel of learning hailed the return of NUGA to Calabar as a victory for the university and the state, pledging to upgrade remaining facilities to international standards. “We will not just host the Games, we will deliver an unforgettable edition,” she assured.
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Cross River State’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, also pledged government support, affirming that hosting aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s people-focused agenda.
The Executive Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Dr. Dorn-Kclaimz Enamhe, credited the Vice Chancellor’s persistence for securing the rights, promising a memorable festival of sports, culture, and unity.
Stakeholders including Hogis Hotels CEO, Dr. Ikechukwu Henry, and MediaVision Limited described the announcement as a collective win for Cross River State and a chance to project Calabar as a hub of sports tourism.
With the eyes of the nation now fixed on Calabar, the countdown to NUGA 2026 begins a homecoming edition set to blend competitive excellence with cultural celebration, reaffirming the Games’ place as Nigeria’s biggest collegiate sporting event.
The Nigerian University Games (NUGA) is a biennial event that brings together student-athletes from universities across Nigeria.
Below are Past Hosts of NUGA:
• University of Ibadan – 1966, 1976, 1986 and 2002.
• University of Lagos – 1968, 1978, 1998 and 2022.
• Obafemi Awolowo University – 1970, 1984 and 2014.
• Ahmadu Bello University – 1972, 1982 and 2001.
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka – 1974 and 2009.
• University of Benin – 1980 and 2011.
• University of Port Harcourt – 1988 and 2004.
• University of Calabar – 1990.
• University of Ilorin – 1992.
• Bayero University, Kano – 1994 and 1997.
• University of Maiduguri – 2007.
• Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi – 2017.
• University of Jos – 2025.
