VC COMMITTS TO IMPROVING SPORTS ACTIVITIES/ FACILITIES ON CAMPUS
UNIZIK VC LEADS STAFF IN FITNESS WALK, PLEDGES IMPROVED SPORTS FACILITIES AS 2026 STAFF GAMES ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, recreation and the development of sporting facilities on campus, as the University concluded its 2026 Staff Games and Recreation, with the Safety Department emerging as the overall winner.
The grand finale, held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Bakassi Sports Complex, witnessed an impressive display of sportsmanship, camaraderie and healthy competition among staff members from various faculties, departments and units of the University.
The event commenced with a fitness road walk, accompanied by lively ogene music, from the Central Administrative Building to the Bakassi Sports Complex, led by the Vice-Chancellor, who joined other members of staff in the exercise.
Addressing participants at the event, Prof. Anyaehie welcomed and commended the staff for their participation, noting that recreational activities provide opportunities for members of the University community to ease work-related burdens, maintain physical fitness and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
He pledged that his administration would continue to improve sporting facilities on campus for the benefit of both staff and students. He thereafter formally declared the 2026 Staff Games open.
Earlier, the Chairman of the University Sports Committee, Prof. Derek Orji, disclosed that the Staff Games is an annual programme, with the 2026 edition commencing in March and culminating in October. He explained that the initiative was designed to promote recreation, healthy competition, physical fitness and unity among members of staff.
Prof. Orji expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for sponsoring the games and providing the necessary support for their successful organisation. He also thanked the Deans, Directors and Heads of Units for encouraging staff participation.
A major highlight of the grand finale was a novelty football match between the Vice-Chancellor’s Team and the Management Team, which ended in a goalless draw. Prof. Anyaehie captained the Vice-Chancellor’s Team, while the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, led the Management Team.
The programme also featured a march-past competition, sack race, fill-in-the-basket competition, aerobics and other recreational activities, creating an atmosphere of excitement and friendly rivalry among participants.
In her vote of thanks, the Acting Director of Sports, Comrade Anthonia Chukwudi, explained that the Staff Games comprised three phases: outdoor games, recreational games and the grand finale. She noted that the initiative was aimed at strengthening bonds among staff, promoting teamwork and encouraging investment in recreation and physical well-being.
She added that the games also served as preparation for external staff competitions, particularly the National Universities Staff Games. Comrade Chukwudi thanked the Vice-Chancellor for sponsoring the programme and participating in the grand finale, while appealing for further improvements to the University's sports facilities.
In a separate interview, Miss Ogbalu Blessing of the Directorate of Sports expressed satisfaction with the event and commended the Vice-Chancellor for his sponsorship. She expressed optimism that subsequent editions would attract greater participation, identifying the novelty football match featuring the Vice-Chancellor as her favourite highlight.
The event attracted several principal officers and distinguished members of the University community, including the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke; the University Librarian, Prof. Jacinta Ukamaka Eze; the Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Emeka Aloysius Attah; the Chief Safety Officer, Sir Collins Obi; the Director of Physical Planning, Engr. Lawrence Ezeokafor; and a member of the University Governing Council, Prof. Tracie Utoh-Ezeajughi.
Others present were the former Chairperson of the University Sports Committee, Prof. Oby Okonkwo; the Director of Procurement, Mr. Pascal Akuma; the former Dean of Vocational and Technical Education, Prof. Recko Okoye; the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Virginia Ejiofor; the former Chairman of ASUU-NAU, Prof. Stephen Ufoaro; and the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. J.K.C. Emejulu, among others.
At the end of the competitions, the Faculty of Environmental Sciences emerged as the winner in the male football category, with the Faculty of Arts finishing second and the Faculty of Social Sciences placing third.
In the overall games ranking, the Safety Department emerged champion, followed by the Faculty of Arts in second place, while UNIZIK High School secured third position.
The grand finale ended with the presentation of trophies, medals and certificates to deserving faculties, departments, units and athletes in recognition of their outstanding performances.
The successful conclusion of the 2026 Staff Games underscored the University's commitment to promoting staff welfare, physical fitness, teamwork and a vibrant culture of recreation under the leadership of Prof. Anyaehie.
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