UNIJOS ATHLETES QUALIFY FOR WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES IN GERMANY AFTER SUCCESSFULLY HOSTING FISU TRIALS
The University of Jos has emerged as one of the standout institutions in Nigeria whose student-athletes have qualified to represent the country at the 2025 World University Games, scheduled to take place in Germany this July. This achievement comes on the heels of the University’s successful hosting of the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) Trials, which attracted over 500 athletes and officials from more than 40 Nigerian universities.
The national trials, held at the NDLEA Academy Training Ground in Lamingo, Jos, served as a key platform to select Nigeria’s representatives for the international games. Despite receiving notice at the last minute, the University of Jos rose to the occasion and delivered a well-coordinated and vibrant event, earning widespread praise from stakeholders in the university sports community.
At the closing ceremony, Professor Mohammed Bawa, President of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), commended the University for its exceptional organization and commitment. He remarked that this was the first time in NUGA history a university had independently managed the logistics for such an event, setting a new benchmark and affirming Jos as a safe and capable host for both national and international sporting events.
Professor Bawa also stated that the success of the FISU Trials has further strengthened confidence in Jos as the host city for the upcoming NUGA Games in November 2025.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports and Chairman of the Occasion, applauded the University, NUGA, and the student-athletes for organizing a peaceful and inspiring event. He emphasized that UniJos’s role in hosting the trials has reignited pride in Plateau State’s sporting heritage. Hon. Ashoms also announced that the state government, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, had approved the rehabilitation of the Rwang Pam Stadium in preparation for the forthcoming NUGA Games.
In his address, Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, expressed gratitude for the event’s success despite the initial concerns due to the short notice. “With determination and divine grace, we pulled through. The event was peaceful, and no injuries were recorded,” he said. He congratulated all participating universities and extended his best wishes to those heading to Germany for the World University Games.
The Chairman of the UniJos Sports Committee, Professor Ishaya Pam, described the FISU Trials as an insightful experience that highlighted the extensive logistics required to host a major sporting event. He appreciated the support from the Plateau State Government, NDLEA Academy, and other partners who contributed to the success of the event. He also praised the discipline and conduct of the athletes and officials throughout the competition.
Other dignitaries who spoke included Professor Ezra Gunen, Director of the Plateau State Sports Council; representatives of the NDLEA Academy; and Directors of Sports from various universities. They all agreed that the FISU Trials marked a turning point in Nigerian university sports, positioning Jos as a growing hub for both academic and athletic excellence.
The FISU Trials featured high-level competition across seven sports Athletics, Badminton, Judo, Taekwondo, Tennis, Table Tennis, and Swimming. By the end of the event, over 70 student-athletes earned qualification to represent Nigeria at the World University Games to be held in the Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany in July 2025.
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