CALABAR, CROSS RIVER— The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has actually been formally designated as the host organization for the 28th edition of the distinguished Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) Games, arranged to range from November 14 to 24, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Teacher Offiong E. Effiong, made the historic disclosure throughout a packed press conference hung on Friday at the University Senate Chambers in Calabar.
Mass Mobilization of Athletes and 28 Sports Categories
According to the preliminary logistics blueprint revealed by the Vice-Chancellor, the 10-day sporting celebration is predicted to draw participation from over 50 public and personal universities throughout the federation.
The ancient city of Calabar is preparing to receive an influx of over 50,000 student-athletes, technical authorities, and sports spectators.
An overall of 28 distinct sporting occasions, covering track and field athletics, indoor court games, battle sports, and aquatics, will include prominently throughout the competitors tracking.
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To maximize their home advantage, Professor Offiong explicitly charged the UNICAL student body, commonly referred to as the Malabites and Malabresses, to start intensive training routines with the supreme objective of topping the final competition medal table.
Lecture Suspension Deployed for Talent Recognition
In a radical administrative move to uncover raw athletic skill across professors, the Vice-Chancellor announced the instant implementation of a weekly lecture-free sports window on the school scholastic calendar.
Effective from the present semester, all lectures and scholastic projects will be strictly suspended every Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m. to enable the whole undergraduate neighborhood to participate in or support initial trials.
“No speaker is expected or permitted to fix classes or assessments throughout this designated duration,” the Vice-Chancellor warned.
“We wish to prepare our students sufficiently and find hidden skills that will not only stand out at the NUGA Games but will likewise represent the university and the nation in future global sporting competitions.”
Teacher Offiong highlighted that hosting the nationwide video games will function as an instant catalyst for the sped up building and construction of contemporary, durable sports facilities within the school borders.
The organization is currently setting strategies to construct advanced sports complexes that will serve the university neighborhood and the broader public as an enduring structural legacy long after the video games close.
Acknowledging the important support of the Guv Bassey Otu-led Cross River State Government, the Vice-Chancellor contacted business bodies, media partners, political office holders, and the international UNICAL Alumni Association to invest greatly in case.
He guaranteed the NUGA Council of the university’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest requirement of structural company, officiating integrity, and hospitality throughout the historical sports feast.