The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) was founded in July 1965, shortly after the first West African University Games, which was held earlier that same year at the University of Ibadan. In history, the first Nigerian University Games was held in 1966 at the University of Ibadan. At that time, Nigeria had five universities: the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Lagos, Akoka, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
NUGA currently has over eighty universities as members, including both private and public (Federal and State) universities given LASU a hosting right in 2023.
Initially, only a few sports were involved. However, the number has increased tremendously.
Such as Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Scrabble, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, and Volleyball are among the sixteen sports.
Many university athletes have represented Nigeria in international competitions such as the Commonwealth and Olympic Games over the years; to name a few: Seyi Olofinjana (Football), Vincent Enyeama (Football), Bisi Afolabi (Athletics), Olumide Oyedeji (Basketball), Chika Chukwumerije (Taekwondo), and Olusoji Fasuba (Athletics) are among the notables.
It is worth noting that many more University athletes have become professionals after finishing their university education.
NUGA joined the World Federation of University Games in 1970 and was a founding member of the All Africa University Games Association in 1974.
In Nigeria, university-level sports events are organized by the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA).
The general public is invited to the Flag Off Ceremony, this Friday at the JF Ade Ajayi Hall, University of Lagos by 4pm.
