Unijos Athletes Among Qualifiers for World FISU Games in Germany After University Successfully Hosts National Trials

UNIVERSITY OF JOS

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL

DIVISION                                                               

PRESS RELEASE

UNIJOS ATHLETES QUALIFY FOR WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES IN GERMANY AFTER SUCCESSFUL HOSTING OF FISU TRIALS

University of Jos is among Nigerian Universities whose Student-Athletes have successfully qualified to represent Nigeria at the World University Games scheduled to take place in Germany in July 2025. This follows the institution’s triumphant hosting of the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) Trials, an event that drew over 500 Athletes and officials from more than 40 Nigerian Universities.

The Trials which came to a close with a ceremony held at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Academy Training Ground in Lamingo, Jos, served as a preparatory competition to select Nigerian representatives for the global games. Despite the late notice, the University of Jos rose to the occasion and delivered a seamless and colourful sporting event that has since drawn commendations from various stakeholders.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, President, Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), Professor Mohammed Bawa, expressed immense satisfaction with the organization and conduct of the event. He praised the University of Jos for going above and beyond expectations to provide all necessary logistics for a smooth Trials competition.

According to Professor Bawa, “This is the first time in the history of NUGA that a University has single-handedly taken responsibility for every logistic detail of a Trial event. UNIJOS has set a new standard, and this has further proven that Jos is not only safe but also capable of hosting national and international events.”

He further noted that the successful hosting of the FISU trials has boosted confidence in Jos as the venue for the upcoming NUGA Games scheduled for November 2025.

Chairman of the Occasion and the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, commended the University, NUGA officials, and the Student-Athletes for a well-organized and peaceful event. The Sports Commissioner said, history will be kind to those who made the decision to allow UniJos host the Trials as the event has not only boosted the morale of the Students but has also brought the sporting glory of the State to limelight.

Hon. Ashoms revealed that the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is fully in support of the University and has already approved the rehabilitation of Rwang Pam Stadium in preparation for the forthcoming NUGA Games.

Earlier is a remark, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, expressed deep gratitude to God for the success of the event, despite initial concerns over the late notice from NUGA. According to him, “When the decision to host the Trials came to us, there were understandable concerns. But with determination and divine grace, the event exceeded expectations. There were no injuries, no disruptions—everything was peaceful.”

Professor Ishaya extended his congratulations to all participating Universities, especially those who qualified for the World University Games in Germany, and wished them success as they prepare to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

On his part, Chairman of the UniJos Sports Committee, Professor Ishaya Pam, described the FISU Trials as a valuable learning experience for both the University and the NUGA community. He acknowledged the support of the Plateau State Government, NDLEA Academy, and other partners for their role in the event’s success.

Professor Pam described the conduct of the Student-Athletes and officials was commendable noting that now, the University has firsthand insight into the logistics and coordination required to host a national sporting event of this magnitude.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included Director of Plateau State Sports Council, Professor Ezra Gunen, representative of the Commandant of the NDLEA Academy, Directors of Sports from participating Universities and several stakeholders in the Nigerian University Sports community. They all observed that the FISU Trials have marked a significant milestone in Nigerian University sports by showcasing Jos not only as a center of excellence in education but also as a rising hub for competitive sports.

At the end of the FISU Trials which featured intense competition across seven sports including Athletics, Badminton, Judo, Taekwondo, Tennis, Table Tennis and Swimming, over Seventy Students-Athletes from the participating Universities secured the ticket to represent Nigeria at the World University Games at the Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany in July.

Click on the link below for the final FISU Trials Medals Table:

https://www.unijos.edu.ng/fisu-games-trials-final-medals-table 

Signed

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Senior Deputy Registrar (Information & Publications)