By. Flowerbudnews
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has charged the Directorate of Sports and the University Sports Council to adopt a deliberate, strategic, and result-oriented approach towards ensuring a convincing victory at the forthcoming Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) games to be hosted by the University.
Prof. Offiong, gave the charge during his maiden visit to the Directorate of Sports, where he interacted with officials of the Sports Council.
Prof. Offiong who commended the Sports Council for making measurable progress with limited facilities, stressed that, the statistics revealed the need for improvement.
“Out of many sporting events, we participated in only a few, and that is not good enough.
“We must be deliberate about winning the upcoming NUGA Games convincingly”, the Vice Chancellor said.
This is even as he assured the Directorate of Sports of Management’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure, noting that while some basic tools such as grass-cutting machines had been provided, they were far from adequate.
He emphasized the urgent need for standard sports equipment, a well-equipped storage facility to prevent damage, and a permanent security post at the sports complex.
The Varsity administrator also directed that strategic collaborations be established with the Cross River State Sports Council and if need be, the Akwa Ibom State Sports Council to source experienced coaches where necessary.
The Vice Chancellor said the university would not hesitate to hire coaches to strengthen its teams, directing that immediate engagement with the Cross River State Sports Council commences to secure coaches and equipment ahead of upcoming competitions.
In a major policy directive aimed at boosting student participation, Prof. Offiong announced that management would propose to the Senate a lecture-free sports period every Wednesday by 1:00 pm in the next academic semester.
He further revealed that management had begun engaging with corporate organizations for sponsorship and support, disclosing that meetings with managing directors of some companies are yielding positive prospects for funding sports development in the institution.
Prof. Offiong harped on the importance of effective sports management, including; students sensitization, early talent identification, and proper maintenance of sporting facilities.
He assured the Sports Directorate that sports activities would remain continuous beyond NUGA games, noting that, the university must sustain the momentum for future tournaments and students’ sports development.
The Chairman of the University of Calabar Sports Council, Prof. Lucas Ogunjimi, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the visit and highlighted the modest achievements the Council has recorded despite limited resources.
He noted that in 2025, the University participated in the Moniepoint-sponsored 5-aside tournament and won silver, while University of Calabar staff placed 4th out of 36 institutions in a nationwide competition held at Bayero University Kano.
He further disclosed that the university placed 13th on the medal log out of 91 universities nationwide, adding that participation was limited to six out of twenty-three events for obvious reasons.