The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has officially flagged off its awareness rally ahead of the 27th edition of the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), scheduled to hold in 2025 — a landmark event that will make history as the first-ever NUGA hosted in North Central Nigeria.
The colorful rally, which kicked off from the Hill Station Roundabout in Jos, attracted a massive turnout of students, staff, alumni, and dignitaries, all expressing their excitement and readiness for the upcoming games.
Speaking during the flag-off, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, described the rally as the official countdown to the historic 27th NUGA Games, assuring that UNIJOS was fully prepared to deliver the best edition in the event’s history.
“We are here to tell the world that UNIJOS is ready. The students, staff, and the entire Plateau community are prepared to receive contingents from across the country. We promised Nigeria the best NUGA ever — and we are going to deliver it,” Prof. Ishaya declared.
He emphasized that Jos was safe and open to visitors, urging Nigerians not to be swayed by negative perceptions of the city.
“As you can see, everyone is out, happy, and excited. Jos is safe, and we are ready to host the nation,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support through the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Education, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing sports and youth development. He revealed that UNIJOS had been designated one of ten National Centres of Excellence in Sports.
According to him, the university has introduced new academic programs — including Sports Science, Sports Medicine, and Exercise and Performance Studies — to strengthen Nigeria’s sports sector and enhance its contribution to the nation’s GDP.
Prof. Ishaya further acknowledged the Plateau State Government, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for its strong partnership in ensuring the success of the 27th NUGA Games, including financial support and the provision of facilities to host thousands of visitors.
“The state government has been very supportive because they know hosting over 10,000 visitors will significantly boost the local economy,” he said.
In his remarks, Gad Shamaki Peter, Global President of the UNIJOS Alumni Association, described sports as a vital instrument for national unity and youth empowerment. He said the 27th NUGA Games would not only highlight the potential of Nigerian youths but also reshape the narrative about Plateau State by promoting peace, development, and tourism.
Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for NUGA, Prof. Taye Obateru, underscored the importance of the event, noting that it would showcase the peace, hospitality, and vibrancy of Jos.
“UNIJOS is ready to impact society, develop sports talent, and build partnerships that will boost both sports and business in the state,” Obateru said.
With anticipation already high, the 27th NUGA Games at UNIJOS is poised to be a historic celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence — one that will bring students from across the nation together and showcase Plateau State as a beacon of peace and hospitality.
A month after the mass abduction of 46 Oyo schoolchildren and teachers by terrorists on May 15 and the decapitation of a teacher, the captives remain in the forest despite military claims and political promises from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde.
The terrorists kidnapped the students and staffers after invading schools in the Esienle and Yawota communities in Orire local council in Oyo state.
Days after the abduction, one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorists, pressuring the government to meet their demands for the release of the abductees.
On May 19, four days after the abduction, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement by its spokesperson, Michael Onoja, said, “Troops are currently deployed and actively operating within the forest in pursuit of the perpetrators and in search of the abducted victims.”
“Troops made contact with the criminal elements two days ago, have since reorganised, and are continuing the search and pursuit operations with full determination.”
The military and the government cited collateral damage as a reason for not taking out the terrorists.
While the schoolchildren and their teachers languish in captivity, Messrs Tinubu and Makinde have been engaging in electioneering as they chase their presidential dreams, both emerging as their party’s candidates for the 2027 election.
On May 31, Mr Makinde visited the hostages’ communities, promising their families the safe return of those abducted.
“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers, Mr Makinde told the families of abductees. “All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because it has security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release.”
Similarly, a delegation representing Mr Tinubu, led by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the families and made a similar promise.
In a video released by the terrorists, Rachael Alamu, one of the hostages and the principal of Community High School Esinele, begged Messrs Tinubu and Makinde to negotiate with the terrorists to secure their release.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State House of Assembly has opposed negotiating with the terrorists.
Debo Ogundoyin, the speaker of the assembly, said the state would not pay ransom, give weapons to terrorists or change laws to accommodate the kidnappers.
Several protests have followed the government’s failure to rescue the hostages.
Amid public outrage and discontent, many Nigerians protested across several states, including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, demanding the immediate rescue of the hostages.
In his Democracy Day speech on June 12, Mr Tinubu said, “Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough.”
The president urged terrorists and bandits across the country to lay down their arms or face the wrath of his administration.
The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has joined its counterparts across the country in protesting the abduction of pupils and teachers from a primary school in Oyo State.
Hundreds of teachers staged a demonstration in Jos, the Plateau State capital, carrying placards and banners to express their anger over the continued captivity of the victims several weeks after the incident.
The protesters called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces for learning.
They also expressed concern over the growing trend of school-related abductions in parts of the country, warning that such incidents could discourage parents from sending their children to school if not urgently addressed.
The union urged authorities to strengthen security around educational institutions and ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity.
