In a resounding achievement, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, clinched the top spot in the 20th edition of the South East University Games (SEUGA), held from Wednesday, 24th to Tuesday, 30th January 2024.
According to the SEUGA Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Technical Committee’s official release, UNIZIK dominated the medals’ table with an impressive tally of 35 medals—19 Gold, 9 Silver, and 7 Bronze.
The colorful medal presentation ceremony, held on Monday, 29th January 2024, at the UNIZIK Mini Stadium, featured Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, who highlighted the significance of hosting the games. He emphasized its role in rejuvenating sports participation among students and staff, showcasing the institution as a hub for learning that actively promotes a sports culture and recreational activities.
Prof. Esimone expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellors of the participating institutions, recognizing their support for making the historic games a reality. Additionally, he announced upcoming events such as Combat Sports and Track/Field, scheduled for May 2024, as part of an invitational tournament to officially inaugurate the tartan tracks at the UNIZIK Mini Stadium.
Dr. Felix Obiukwu, Chairman of SEUGA and Director of Sports at Abia State University Uturu, commended Prof. Esimone for his role in ensuring UNIZIK hosted the 20th edition. Dr. Obiukwu asserted SEUGA’s permanence and encouraged other Vice-Chancellors to actively participate in future games.
Federal University of Technology (FUTO) Owerri secured the second position on the medals’ table, securing a total of 20 medals—7 Gold, 10 Silver, and 3 Bronze. The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) claimed the third spot with 19 medals—5 Gold, 9 Silver, and 5 Bronze.
Participating institutions included Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Spiritan University, Nneochi, and Paul University Awka.
The highlight of the day was the intense final of the female football event, where UNIZIK Ladies secured victory against their UNN counterparts with a score of two goals to nil. The event also featured the medal presentation to the triumphant student-athletes.