The University of Lagos has been given the nod to host the 2019 edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) games, which is also the 26th edition. This was revealed to journalists by the NUGA President, Prof Stephen Hamafyelto.
The NUGA boss stated that findings from the inspection team favoured University of Lagos ahead of University of Jos, as both signified interest in hosting the biennial sporting event next year.
He said that after the two-day NUGA Council meeting in Abuja, activities at the 25th NUGA Games held in 2017 at Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) were reviewed, in order to safeguard the reoccurrence of what happened in Makurdi, having been given hosting right in 2104, but staged the games three years after.
Furthermore, he noted that with the hosting right awarded to UNILAG, the games is expected to come up early in the year precisely between January and April which is usually dry season as against wet season that could disrupt the outdoor events.
Hamafyelto said NUGA would be cautious of the new host since the university has not been served letter, but have to report the council decision to the Committee of Vice Chancellors (CVCs) to deliberate, being the final arbiter that determine on the need to serve Unilag the hosting right letter.
“It is after the decision of the CVCs that NUGA can then embark on all other necessary steps to ensure success of the games next year.
“Among such steps is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formation of Main Organising Committee (MOC), and Local Organising Committee (LOC) among others. These will propel the school authority to improve their preparations ahead of the time.
“During the review of the 25th NUGA Games at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Anande Richard Kimbir explained how he was able to overcome the challenges of funding and other hitches in the course of hosting the games.
