NUGA Games 2026: UNICAL VC Receives Hosting Flag, Signs MoA
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has formally received the hosting flag for the 28th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) tagged NUGA Unical 2026, and signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), officially granting the University the mandate to host the prestigious sporting event.
The handing over and MoA signing ceremony took place during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor by the NUGA Games Committee, led by the Chairman, UNICAL NUGA Games 2026, Prof. Lukas Ogunjimi, and held in the Council Chamber of the Institution.
Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong described the occasion as a special and historic moment for the University, especially, coming shortly after the institution's solemn assembly.
While welcoming the NUGA delegation, Prof. Offiong conveyed the goodwill of the Governor of Cross River State, H/E, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, noting that the state government would play a key role as the Chief Host of the Games.
The Varsity Administrator assured the delegation of UNICAL's full commitment to hosting what he described as “the best NUGA Games ever".
He highlighted Calabar’s reputation as a peaceful, secure, and clean city, promising participants a memorable sporting and cultural experience.
“To be in NUGA 2026 is to come to UNICAL and have a good time,” he said, adding that preparations had already commenced with the official handover of the hosting flag.
He however urged members of the Local Organising Committee to intensify efforts towards delivering a successful and impactful Games.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, UNICAL NUGA Games 2026 Local Organising Committee, Prof. Lukas Ogunjimi, stated that the committee was comfortable and confident in the University’s preparedness.
He described the Vice Chancellor as a committed leader who is ready to ensure the successful hosting of the Games scheduled for August 2026.
In his remarks, the Acting President of NUGA, Dr. Ajibua Michael Alayode, expressed delight at being back in the University of Calabar.
He noted that the Vice Chancellor’s experience as a former student-athlete reassures the NUGA leadership that the Games are in capable hands.
Dr. Alayode disclosed that the Games, which began in 1966, continue to grow in scale, adding that over 1,000 athletes participated in the last edition, with expectations of even higher participation in the 28th edition.
He emphasized that hosting the NUGA Games is a massive and capital-intensive undertaking, even as he urged the University to be well prepared, particularly in terms of accommodation for athletes, officials and guests.
This is even as he called for the establishment of a strong line of communication between NUGA and the University to ensure smooth planning and execution.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Unical NUGA Games Organising Committee, Dr. Dorncklaimz Enamhe, Esq. stated that the purpose of the visit was twofold: to formally hand over the NUGA hosting flag to the Vice Chancellor and to sign the MoA, which legally empowers the University of Calabar to host the 28th edition of the Games.
He expressed confidence in the University’s leadership, noting that the Vice Chancellor’s background as a former student-athlete who participated in the games about 44 years ago would inspire stakeholders and galvanise support for the successful hosting of the Games.
The ceremony marked the official commencement of activities toward the grand hosting the 28th edition of NUGA Games by the University of Calabar.
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