The University of Calabar, UNICAL is pausing midweek classes in a bid to give student-athletes dedicated time to train for the upcoming Nigerian Universities Games, NUGA.
UNICAL is hosting the 28th edition of the sports event this November. It is a historic moment for the campus as the games have not returned to this school since 1990.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Offiong Offiong shared the news on Thursday at a lively press briefing noting that the University is playing to win.
The campus is preparing for a massive crowd. Over 50 public and private universities are coming. More than 50,000 athletes, officials, and fans will flood Calabar.
The tournament features 28 different sporting events. Regular school weeks did not leave enough time for training. Now, sports are woven directly into the academic calendar.
“Our students have been training intensively for the competition. To demonstrate our determination to lead the medals table, we have directed that no lectures or practicals should hold on Wednesdays so that participating students can concentrate fully on their training,” the Vice Chancellor explained.
A modern sports complex is currently springing up on campus. Prof. Offiong noted that infrastructure upgrades are well underway. The new facilities will match the high stakes of the games.
The university is not pulling this off alone. Prof. Offiong praised the Cross River State Government. Governor Bassey Otu is the chief host and is providing major resources.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund is also helping. Federal lawmakers have promised their backing too. Prof. Offiong is completely confident that the university is ready.
“Without any hesitation, we are ready and willing to welcome and host athletes, officials and spectators from across Nigeria and beyond. We are committed to delivering a successful competition that reflects the values of excellence, fair play and sportsmanship that NUGA represents,” he said.