UNICAL Gets Nod As 2026 NUGA Hosts

Share
  • Lines up 7769 graduands for its 35th convocation 
  • Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero for investiture as Chancellor     

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Thirty-three years after it first hosted the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) in 1990, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has been granted provisional rights as host of the 2026 National University Games

To this end, NUGA, as the regulatory body, has directed its Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure that sporting facilities put forward by UNICAL in preparation for the Games are up to the required standard before the end of 2024.

The Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Professor Florence Obi gave the cheering news during a press conference to mark the commencement of activities marking the institution’s 35th Convocation ceremony but also hinted that Bayaro University Kano (BUK) is already on standby to snatch the hosting right if UNICAL fails in its obligation to provide the needed standard facilities for the sporting event.

Prof Obi assured that the university’s authorities would work hard to ensure that NUGA does not strip UNICAL of the hosting right due to the unavailability of standard facilities.

It is on record that UNICAL hosted the 13th edition of the Games in 1990 where it came eighth (8th) on the medals table with 5 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze. The last edition, the 26th Nigerian University Games, was hosted by the University of Lagos and ended on Saturday, March 26, 2022.

Offering insight on the forthcoming Convocation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor announced that about 7769 graduands would be presented with various categories of degrees and diplomas ranging from first degree, masters degree, and doctors of philosophies in different disciplines during the convocation ceremony.

For those to be honoured with honorary causa degrees, she disclosed that top on the list is former President Goodluck Jonathan, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of North West Oil & Gas, Dame Winifred Akpani among others.

She explained that other activities slated for the week-long event include inter-denominational service; research and exhibition fair; a Command performance in honour of Chancellor Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the emir of Kano whose investiture as the sixth chancellor of the institution is scheduled to hold during the Convocation ceremony, and paying of homage to traditional rulers in the Cross River State

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply