UNIZIK Kicks Off University Staff Games to Promote Fitness, Unity and Staff Welfare
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to staff welfare, physical fitness, and workplace harmony as the University commenced its Staff Games competition at the Awka Campus of the University.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Coke Centre, through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Alex Asigbo, the Vice-Chancellor described recreation and sporting activities as essential components of a healthy and productive university system.
He noted that the Staff Games were designed not only to promote physical wellness among staff members but also to strengthen unity, teamwork, and cordial relationships across faculties, departments, and units of the University.
According to him, universities thrive better in environments where staff members interact beyond official duties, adding that recreational activities help to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and foster institutional harmony.
Prof. Anyaehie commended the organisers of the games for sustaining a tradition that encourages healthy competition and camaraderie among staff members. He urged participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and friendship throughout the competition.
The Vice-Chancellor further reiterated the University Management’s resolve to continue supporting programmes and initiatives that contribute to the overall well-being and productivity of staff.
The opening ceremony attracted staff members, sports enthusiasts, and supporters from various faculties, units, and departments, who gathered to witness the commencement of the games in an atmosphere of excitement and unity.
The University Staff Games are expected to feature various sporting activities aimed at encouraging active participation, relaxation, and social interaction among members of the University community.
Following the address delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Acting Director of Sports of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Comrade Mrs Anthonia Chukwudi, expressed appreciation to the University Management for its unwavering support towards sports development and staff welfare in the institution.
In her remarks, Comrade Mrs Chukwudi described the University Staff Sports Competition as a vital platform for promoting physical fitness, relaxation, unity, and social interaction among staff members. She noted that beyond academic and administrative responsibilities, recreational activities remain essential for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.
She stated that the competition was carefully designed to encourage friendship, teamwork, discipline, and healthy rivalry among participating faculties, departments, and units of the University.
The Acting Director further urged staff members to actively participate in the games and take advantage of the opportunity to improve their physical and mental well-being while strengthening bonds across the University community.
According to her, sports possess the unique ability to bring people together irrespective of status or department, thereby fostering institutional harmony and mutual understanding.
Comrade Mrs Chukwudi also commended members of the Sports Unit and organising committee for their efforts in ensuring a successful commencement of the competition. She assured participants that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure fair play, safety, and smooth coordination throughout the sporting event.
She concluded by encouraging all participants to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, respect the rules of the games, and compete in an atmosphere of friendship and unity.
As activities continued following the opening ceremony, several teams and participants recorded impressive victories in volleyball, badminton, and scrabble events to advance to the next stages of the competition.
In the Volleyball event, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office Male and Female Teams, alongside the Faculty of Arts Female Team, qualified for the next round after convincingly defeating their respective opponents.
The VC’s Office Male Team secured a 2–0 victory over the General Studies (GS) Unit Male Team, while the VC’s Office Female Team also defeated the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Female Team by 2–0 sets to book their place in the next stage of the competition.
Similarly, the Faculty of Arts Female Team progressed after overcoming the Safety Unit Female Team by 2–0 sets.
The Badminton Singles event in the male category, which concluded during the day’s activities, produced outstanding performances from participants across various units and faculties. At the end of the contest, the Faculty of Engineering emerged as champions, while the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology finished in second position. The Safety Unit and Nnewi Admin. shared the third position.
In the female category, the Faculty of Arts clinched first position, while the Vice-Chancellor’s Office came second. The Safety Unit and the School of General Studies jointly occupied the third position.
The Scrabble competition also witnessed keenly contested encounters in both the male and female categories.
In the Female Scrabble category, Unizik Business School emerged winners, with the Faculty of Arts taking second position, while the Faculty of Environmental Sciences finished third.
In the Male Scrabble category, the Faculty of Physical Sciences secured first position, followed by the Faculty of Engineering in second place, while the Faculty of Biosciences came third.
The competition continues to generate excitement among staff members, with participants demonstrating enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship in the various sporting events lined up for the games.