VC pledges scholarships, career opportunities for outstanding student-athletes
UNIZIK FASU Cairo Medalists visit VC, receive commendation and support
As VC pledges scholarships, career opportunities for outstanding student-athletes
The victorious contingent of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, following its impressive performance at the 12th All African University Games (FASU Games) held in Cairo, Egypt.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the University Sports Committee (USC), Prof. Derek Orji, visited the Vice-Chancellor on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Council Chamber, where the team expressed appreciation for the support and encouragement that enabled them to represent the University and Nigeria at the continental competition.
Prof. Orji thanked the Vice-Chancellor for approving and supporting UNIZIK’s participation in the Games, noting that the student-athletes had made both the University and the nation proud.
He disclosed that UNIZIK participated in three sporting events—football, taekwondo and athletics—and returned home with three medals.
Among the medalists were Mary Ogisi and Nnatu Benedicta, both of the Department of Human Kinetics and Sports Science, who won silver medals in taekwondo and the women’s 3000m steeplechase, respectively.
The University’s 18-member female football team also secured a bronze medal, finishing as the third-best university female football team in Africa.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of Sports, Comrade Anthonia Chukwudi, commended the athletes for serving as worthy ambassadors of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
She expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for his sustained support for the Sports Directorate and recalled his commitment to the welfare and success of UNIZIK athletes at national and international competitions.
According to her, some of the athletes who won medals in Cairo had equally distinguished themselves at the last NUGA Games, where they also won medals
“TWO SILVER Medals CAN MAKE ONE GOLD” — VC
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes and officials for their outstanding performance and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to achieving greater success.
In his characteristic humour, Prof. Anyaehie declared:
“Two silver medals can make one gold.”
The Vice-Chancellor commended the team for competing fairly and representing Nnamdi Azikiwe University with discipline, dignity and sportsmanship, despite the challenges encountered during the journey.
Prof. Anyaehie, however, cautioned the athletes to exercise caution when approached by sports scouts with attractive offers, particularly where contracts are involved.
He advised them to always carry the Sports Directorate along before signing any agreement, so that they could receive appropriate guidance and fully understand the implications of such contracts.
The Vice-Chancellor further pledged the University's continued support for the athletes, including scholarship opportunities for the remaining period of their studies, particularly for medal-winning athletes.
He also disclosed plans to establish formal partnerships that would provide athletes with opportunities to pursue both sporting and academic careers simultaneously.
ATHLETES APPRECIATE UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
In her vote of thanks, Miss Okafor Chiamaka, a member of the team, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their support.
She noted that the team’s performance at the continental games further demonstrated UNIZIK’s commitment to promoting sports development alongside academic excellence.
A major highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an award from the Egyptian Ministry of Sports and Higher Education to the Vice-Chancellor by the USC Chairman and the Acting Director of Sports, in recognition of his support for the University’s athletes.
Other members of the delegation included Mr Franklin Ohazulike, Coach of the female football team, and Mr. Ofoma Obumneme.
The visit provided an opportunity for the University Management to celebrate the athletes’ achievements and reaffirm UNIZIK’s commitment to supporting student-athletes to excel both on the sporting field and in their academic pursuits.
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