The Abia State Government has announced activities for the first-ever Tertiary Institutions Sports Games, a multi-sport fiesta designed to engage students across universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and other higher institutions in the state.
Speaking during a press briefing in her office in Umuahia, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, described the event as the first of its kind in Abia, noting that the initiative goes beyond traditional competitions and is structured as a sports festival to celebrate talents, promote unity, and drive youth development.
Professor Uche said the games, featuring 26 different sports, were conceived to bridge the gap created by limited extracurricular activities at the tertiary level. She emphasized that unlike in the past when universities had vibrant student clubs and sports culture, today’s students are overwhelmed by lectures, leaving little room for recreation and talent development.
The Don explained that the ministry initiated the program to channel the energies of young people productively while nurturing values aligned with the vision of the “New Abia” under Governor Alex Otti.
According to her, the fiesta aims to unite students and staff across institutions, break social barriers, and encourage healthy interaction. She noted that the governor had approved equal stipends for all participating institutions, whether public or private.
Professor Uche also revealed that the government will unveil the “New Abia Pioneers Club,” a value-driven youth movement expected to champion excellence, discipline, and positive engagement among young people, helping to curb cultism and other negative behaviors.
“The fiesta builds on earlier youth development initiatives, such as the secondary school unity games”.
“They noted that the new event will help identify and groom athletes for national and international competitions, including NUGA and other university games”.
Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, confirmed that all arrangements accommodation, security, medical services, and venues are ready.
He added that while some facilities like aquatic sports infrastructure are still being developed, the state has submitted a proposal for an Olympic-sized swimming pool to advance future competitions.
He said that Governor Otti has approved ₦500,000 for each participating institution to support logistics and athlete preparation. He disclosed that the event would hold at Umuahia township stadium, Ibeku high school, Umuahia ridge club among others.
The maiden Tertiary Institutions Sports Games will kick off on Tuesday, November 25, with the governor expected to flag off the four-day event.
Also present was the permanent secretary, ministry of tertiary education, Barrister Chinyere Okezie Nwogu who thanked all stakeholders for their efforts so far to ensure success of the event.
The special assistant to Abia state Governor on Media and publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, special assistant to the Governor on public communications, Dodo Okafor, chairman publicity committee, comrade Francis Nwaubani among others were present during the ceremony.
