The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2025 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) has sought the royal blessing of the 16th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, to ensure the successful hosting of the competition by the University of Jos (UniJos).
The delegation, led by the LOC Chairman , Mr Pam Ishaya, paid a courtesy visit to the emir at his Palace in Kano as part of its nationwide sensitisation and stakeholder engagement ahead of the games scheduled for Nov. 6 to 16, 2025.
He said the university was ready to showcase the best of hospitality and sportsmanship as it hosts one of Nigeria’s largest sporting events for higher institutions.
The chairman said the biennial sports festival, which started in 1966, would attract more han 10,000 participants from across the country, with the theme ‘Unite’.
“As you are aware, Jos has in recent times experienced episodes of conflict.
“We are equally aware of your tireless efforts in restoring peace and unity in Jos and across Nigeria.
“We believe that sports can play a vital role in promoting peace, unity, and reconciliation, and these games will further contribute to that goal,” Ishaya said.
He expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler for his continuous support to the university and recalled his past contributions as former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), when he initiated the CBN Hotel Project at the institution.
The chairman said the project was yet to be completed but expressed optimism that the royal father’s influence could help mobilise corporate organisations to support both the games and the university’s ongoing development projects.
In his response, Sanusi commended the university’s delegation for the visit and the honour done to him.
He described Jos as an important city in Northern Nigeria, lamenting that it had in recent years faced unrest in spite of its reputation as one of the most peaceful and cosmopolitan cities in the past.
“It is saddening that Jos, which used to be a peaceful and beautiful city, has faced unrest.
“Many people once dreamt of living here because of its climate, scenery and the friendliness of its people,” he said.
The emir recalled that his relationship with the university of Jos dated back to the 1970s when his late father served as the Chairman of its Council.
The traditional ruler expressed concern that the CBN hotel project initiated during his tenure had not been completed.
“Had I stayed a few more months at the Central Bank, I probably would have revoked and re-awarded the contract because other similar projects made better progress,” he said.
Sanusi advised the university to collaborate with the Plateau Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to ensure the completion of the project.
While wishing the university a successful hosting of the NUGA games, the royal father assured the delegation of his continued goodwill and support, conveying his warm regards to Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice-Chancellor.
