The 27th NUGA Games: A Farewell to Jos and a Look to Calabar

The 27th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games concluded with a grand Closing Ceremony in Jos, Plateau State, marking the end of a memorable collegiate sports festival. The University of Jos (UNIJOS) hosted the competition, which ran from November 6 to 16, 2025, bringing together thousands of student-athletes from across the nation to compete in a wide array of sporting disciplines.

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The Games, which are a vital platform for discovering new talent and fostering national unity, were lauded for their high level of organization and the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by the participants. The successful hosting by UNIJOS underscored the institution and the Plateau State government's commitment to sports development and providing a secure environment for the athletes.

The Handover: University of Calabar to Host Next Edition

A significant moment during the closing ceremony would have been the formal handover to the host of the next edition. The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has been officially announced as the host for the 28th NUGA Games (often referred to as NUGA 2026, as the event is typically biennial), bringing the prestigious competition back to Calabar after a 35-year hiatus.

The upcoming games are highly anticipated, with UNICAL and the Cross River State government assuring the nation of their preparedness to deliver a world-class experience. Inspections by the NUGA delegation have confirmed that a significant portion of the required facilities, including world-class courts and stadiums, are already in place, setting the stage for what is expected to be another historic chapter in Nigerian university sports.

The focus now shifts to Calabar as it prepares to welcome Nigerian student-athletes in 2026 for a festival that promises to blend competitive excellence with the city's rich culture and tourism appeal.