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Tag: UNIZIK

  • FRSC inaugurates Ember Months safety campaign in Anambra

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Wednesday inaugurated the 2018 Ember Months Road Safety awareness in Anambra.

    The campaign, with the theme, “Safe Driving, Save Lives’’, held at TRACAS Park, UNIZIK Junction, on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

    The Corps Commander in Anambra, Mr Sunday Ajayi, said the Ember months campaign was part of the activities to bring awareness on the implications of traffic infractions to the people.

    Ajayi said the last quarter of the year was always characterised with high vehicular traffic and warned motorists against speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, route violation and use of mobile phones while driving.

    He said all hands should be on deck as road safety was a shared responsibility and called on all to adhere to road traffic safety rules.

    “The rate of road traffic crashes is high and it calls for urgent step to deal with the menace, however, records have shown progressive reduction in road traffic crashes in Anambra,’’ he said.

    On the event, Mr Marcel Obijiofor, Commissioner for Works in Anambra, said good road infrastructure was crucial to safety on the road.

    Obijiofor said dilapidated state roads in Anambra were getting attention as Gov. Willie Obiano had directed their repairs in the next two weeks.

    The commissioner called on the Federal Government to repair federal roads in the state as the state did not have enough funds to take care of them.

    He said the Amawbia to Umunya stretch of the Enugu-Onitsha highway was now nearly impassible and urged the Federal Government to fix it and other federal roads.

    Read Also:36 die in road accident in Ondo state – FRSC

    “His Excellency has directed that all state roads should be repaired in the next two weeks, we have been doing palliative works on federal roads but we don’t have enough money.

    “So, we are urging the Federal Government to refund Anambra the money it spent on federal projects in the state worth about N42 billion, just as we continue to partner with FRSC to keep the roads in the state safe,’’ he said.

    In his message, the Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, warned that the weather condition was changing and that motorists should ensure that their headlamps were good for clear visibility.

    Oyeyemi, represented by Mr Kehinde Adeleye, Zonal Commanding Officer, RS5 Benin, said that during the ember months, enforcement would go alongside enlightenment.

    The FRSC boss said no fewer than 1,602 persons died in 2,805 crashes involving 20,196 road users between September and December 2017.

    Declaring the event open, Gov. Willie Obiano said his administration would do all that was possible to keep the roads and the state safe for the residents at all times.

    Obiano, represented by Mr Harry Udu, the Head of Civil Service in the state, said safe roads was within the security architecture of the state and promised to enable FRSC succeed.

    He urged drivers to be careful and ensure that innocent people did not suffer for their recklessness.

  • UNIZIK students protest colleague’s death

    …accuse management of negligence

     

    Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, on Monday, took to the streets over the death of one of their colleagues.

    The deceased, Francis Chinedu Madubuobi, a 400 level student of the Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, reportedly collapsed at the weekend while playing basketball.

    The protesters, in their thousands, marched round major streets of the state capital, in their black attire, chanting solidarity songs.

    One of the students who preferred anonymity, accused the medical personnel at the university’s medical centre of negligence.

    The student, who claimed to be part of the team that rushed the deceased to the medical centre, said personnel at the centre asked them to pray for his survival.

    “The medical personnel at the university’s medical centre where the deceased was rushed to while he was still gasping for breath, did not do enough to save his life.

    “I was inside the ambulance holding Francis’ foot. It was damn cold; his eyes were already open. I was scared. I knew only a miracle could save him since he had no pulse. On getting to Amaku, the doctors saw that it was already too late,” he said.

    The Committee of Faculty Presidents of the university, had in a statement, described the incident as worrisome, saying it was the second time a student of the institution had died in similar circumstances at the university’s medical centre.

    “The events leading to his (Francis) death is one that is extremely worrisome to students of this institution as it could happen to any one of us or our close friend.”

    Meanwhile, the Director of Information of the university, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, has refuted the report alleging negligence on the part of the institution, saying the deceased was brought in without a pulse to the medical centre.

    Read Also: Women association launches bakery at UNIZIK

    Ojukwu in a statement, said the deceased was immediately taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku where he was confirmed dead.

    The statement read partly, “The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has received with great shock the painful and sudden demise of one of our students, Francis Chinedu Mmadubuobi, a 400 level student of the Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing. The deceased slumped while playing basketball with friends on Saturday July 21, 2018.

    “The deceased was quickly rushed to the University medical Centre but had no pulse upon examination. This means that he had died before being brought to the University Medical Centre. He was thereafter taken to Teaching Hospital Amaku for further attempt at salvaging an already bad situation. He was without pulse and confirmed dead.

    “The Management is deeply saddened at the unfortunate incident and appeals for calm among the students.”

  • Women association launches bakery at UNIZIK

    Women association launches bakery at UNIZIK

    women association at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has recorded a milestone in its drive to make the university self-sufficient in food production. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Women Association (NAUWA), led by the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gladys Ahaneku, has set up a bakery.

    At the opening, Mrs Ahaneku described the project as a dream come true for the association, saying the bakery came at a time members of the university community craved for quality food on the campus.

    She disclosed that the bakery had been certified and registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as other supervisory agencies to promote best practices. Mrs Ahaneku said NAUWA registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission to legitimise its activities.

    According to her, the bakery will serve as an avenue to support students facing financial challenges.

    “The bakery will boost the university economically and will serve as a learning ground for students at the Food Science Department,” she said.

    Mrs Ahaneku hailed Dr Chito Ekwealor, who brought the idea, for her commitment towards the actualisation of the project.

    The Vice- Chancellor (VC), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, praised NAUWA members for their foresight and resilience in ensuring the project came to fruition. He said the bakery would not only create job opportunities for students, it would also educate and train students in baking in order to boost their employability.

    The Chairman of the University Business Venture, Prof Sam Okeke, said Mrs Ahaneku’s efforts led to the realisation of the project. He described her as an epitome of resilience and doggedness.

  • UNIZIK plants 150 trees to mark Environment Day

    UNIZIK plants 150 trees to mark Environment Day

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, has led some of his colleagues to plant trees on the campus in commemoration of the World Environment Day. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO and LILIAN ILOABANAFOR (400-Level Marketing) report.

    With the planting of 150 trees across the campus, members of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, commemorated the 2017 World Environment Day. Organised by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, the event is marked in the school every year in line with the United Nations (UN) objective to restore the environment back to its natural state.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, supervised the tree planting, saying there was the need for the initiative to be sustained in order to stop the damage being done to the environment. The VC said the university had recently got the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to start a degree programme in Environment Health, with the aim to train professionals that would deploy their expertise to prevent environmental pollution and degradation.

    Without good environment, Prof Ahaneku said, living things would not have enough oxygen to survive.

    He said: “There are many health benefits by having trees around. This is a message our people should embrace. Once you have trees around, the oxygen tension increases. We need to educate ourselves and engage in public advocacy. Everyone needs to be part of this crusade to save our environment.”

    The tree planting exercise was followed by a conference and public lecture, where the VC expressed optimism that the event would generate ideas and recommendations that would help the nation to halt environmental pollution.

    Guest lecturer and Deputy VC of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State, Prof K. Bala, said the phenomenon of building collapse as witnessed globally was informed by compromise in structural and environmental integrity.

    While he said buildings usually suffer defects due to human error, Prof Bala said the incidents of avoidable building collapse were prevalent in developing countries. He listed causes of building collapse to include lack of environmental impact assessment, design and material deficiencies, among others.

    He said: “Unlike in developed countries where there are clearly established procedures for the safe design and construction of buildings, which are strictly adhered to, Nigeria is still grappling with a host of issues, including unqualified and poorly trained professionals and skilled workers, weak institutional controls, governance and quality issues around construction materials.

    “The most important message is to develop mechanism and strengthen institutions to ensure that design, construction and operation standards are reflected in the practices of building and environment professionals in Nigeria.”

    In her address, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof Valerie Nnodu, described the World Environment Day as “a clarion call for a positive action on the environment”. She said the commemoration was a flagship campaign for raising awareness on emerging environmental issues from marine pollution and global warming, to sustainable consumption, wildlife crime and replanting forests.

    Two days after, the VC, Prof Ahaneku, was honoured by the Nigerian Academy of Environmental Health for his commitment and effort in promoting environmental health discipline in the academia. President of the academy, Prof Agwu Amadi, presented the plaque to the VC.

    Prof Ahaneku and Registrar of the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), Dr Dominic Abonyi, were installed as fellows of the academy. The event, which had members of the academy and environmental health officers in attendance, was held in the Governing Council’s chamber of the university.

  • Osinbajo at UNIZIK for law teachers’ conference

    Osinbajo at UNIZIK for law teachers’ conference

    It was all excitement at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, last Monday, when the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, stopped by at the school to attend the 50th conference of the Nigeria Association of Law Teachers (NALT) with the theme: Law, security and national development.

    Declaring the conference open, Prof Osinbajo faulted the inability of states to create an inclusive society under existing constitutional arrangements to guarantee the security of lives and liberties of the people. He noted that lack of trust in justice administration fueled the persistent agitations from different parts of the country.

    He said: “First, on the matter of inclusion and inequalities, there is little doubt that the lack of provision of the basics of life to the largest number of our people remains the greatest source of tension in the polity.

    “People at the grassroots struggle daily for basic amenities, such as healthcare. The absence of social justice and lack of education and jobs give opportunities to young people to be recruited into any sort of army, whether for kidnapping, terrorism, violence or anti-social agitation.

    “It is the failure of states to deliver on these essentials of life and livelihood that compels our people to run to their tribal and religious camps to seek succour by way of agitation for basic rights and services.”

    The Acting President said efforts must be made to tackle poverty at the grassroots, noting that hunger does not recognise tribe or religion.

    He said: “There is no doubt in my mind that poverty has the same character in Bodinga Local Government Area in Sokoto State as in Ayanmelum Local Government Area here in Anambra State. Poverty affecting an Igbo man is not more dignified than the one affecting a Hausa-Fulani man.

    “So, the question for us is how to resolve these issues. First is to place responsibility where it rightly belongs. It is the business of all tiers of government– executive, legislature and judiciary to provide the enabling environment for the quality of life that people expect.”

    Prof Osinbajo said the Federal Government was working to ensure that poverty was reduced in all communities. He noted that the 2017 budget had a provision of N500 billion for social investment and N100 billion for social housing, targeting low-income families. He said the government’s N-Power scheme provided thousands of direct jobs to young graduates.

    Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen, said the role of laws in solving the nation’s challenges could not be underestimated, noting that security of the nation depends on people’s faith in the law.

    Onnoghen, who chaired the occasion, was represented by Justice Amina Augie, a Justice of the Supreme Court. He said it was necessary for the existing laws to be efficient with the right attitude to their implementation.

    In his goodwill message, Governor Willie Obiano said his administration had transformed the state through good governance, observing that the state won the right to host the event because of its improved security.

    Chairman of Society for Analytical Economics, Prof Godwin Owoh, advocated the need to link the law with the nation’s dynamics of growth in order to sustain the economy and foster development.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, said the event was in line with the school’s tradition of proffering academic solutions to the nation’s challenges.

    In his address, NALT President and Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof Godwin Okeke, said the conference had become a platform for training and development of law teachers in the country.

  • UNIZIK unveils alumni for Confucius Institute

    UNIZIK unveils alumni for Confucius Institute

    The cultural partnership between the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, and the Chinese government through Confucius Institute has been elevated with the inauguration of an alumni body of the institute.
    Deputy Consul-General of the Chinese Embassy in Lagos, Guan Zhongqi, was joined by the UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, to inaugurate the body.
    Zhongqi said the embassy was satisfied with the growing of cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria, saying: “Nigeria and China are brothers and partners; we share many similarities and common interests. The friendship between both countries has been deeply rooted and grown steadily since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971”.
    The envoy said China remained committed to solidifying its cooperation with Nigeria by establishing lasting, stable and mutually-beneficial partnerships in different sectors of common interest.
    He hailed the institute’s teachers and the university for supporting China-Nigeria cultural exchanges. While unveiling the Chinese Studies Alumni Association of Nigeria, Zhongqi expressed optimism that the institute would continue to play key role in bridging the cultural differences between China and Nigeria and cultivate more ways to promote Chinese culture in Nigeria.
    Prof Ahaneku recalled that partnership between the Chinese Confuscius Institute and UNIZIK started in 2008 to promote learning of Chinese language, culture, tradition and history. The VC said the HSK programme introduced by UNIZIK had created opportunities for students study Chinese language, adding that the school hoped to churn out graduates who would teach Chinese language effectively.
    He praised the Chinese embassy, language teachers and volunteers who, he said, showed commitment to the success of the partnership. He said the partnership had since gone beyond cultural exchange to science, medicine, agriculture and architecture.
    Ahaneku said: “Our students and scholars who are in various universities in China under scholarship are doing well. For three years running, they have done so well. Last year, the UNIZIK Confucius Institute was declared the best and the only institution in Africa that received that award.”
    The Director of Confucius Institute, Wang Bo, said the association is membered by Nigerians who completed their Chinese language studies on scholarships. He revealed that 80 per cent of Nigerian students studying in China are UNIZIK students, which was why the Chinese government established the institute in the university.
    Wang listed the objectives of the association to include harmonising and creating platform for students to relate with colleagues from different universities in China and further enhance the strong bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China in diverse sectors of the economy.
    Highpoint of the occasion was the conferment of Research Fellow on Zhongqi by the Chinese Cultural Research Institute in UNIZIK. The envoy and the VC pledged more support for the institute.

  • Two roommates graduate with First Class at UNIZIK

    Two roommates graduate with First Class at UNIZIK

    Like Siamese twins, they share many things in common. Aside having the same middle name, Henry Ikenna Ozor and Joshua Ikenna Akuchi, are close friends with a common destiny.

    After being classmates in secondary school, they were admitted into the Faculty of Engineering of the Nnamdi Azikwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital, where they became roommates.

    At the school’s 11th convocation last month, Henry and Joshua were the cynosure of all eyes as the best of graduating students.

    Henry, from Iwollo in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.85 to become the best graduating student not only in the Department of Chemical Engineering, but also in the faculty.

    Joshua, who hails from Ezza North Local Government in Ebonyi State, graduated with a CGPA of 4.66, emerging as the best graduating student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

    Their record-breaking academic journey started before their admission. Henry scored an aggregate of 332 in the 2011 United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). After his admission, he represented the university in the maiden National Engineering Competition organised by Committee of Deans of Engineering and Technology (CODET). Joshua was the first runner-up; Henry the second.

    Sharing their experiences and challenges with CAMPUSLIFE, the valedictorians said the feat would not have been possible if they had not won scholarships to complete their studies.

    Henry said: “As an indigent student, I had a challenge of paying my fee. I remember I could not pay school fees and house rent when I was in 100-Level. I would have lost my admission, because I had no financial support. I searched for scholarship, and I wrote many examinations as possible. By the grace of God, I got scholarship from ABC Transport Company, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Chevron/Agbami Joint Venture. I was also encouraged and financially supported by Allied Energy. The money I got from these companies yearly helped me to pay my fees and buy books.”

    Joshua said: “I squated in a friend’s hostel for about eight months when I was in 100-Level until I got money to pay my rent. Like Henry, I also applied and wrote many scholarship examinations. I was able to get Agbami Chevron/Agbami Joint Venture scholarship, which helped to pay my school fees.”

    Their feats, the valedictorians said, got their parents excited. Henry said: “My parents were over excited, because of the challenges they experienced in getting me to the level I am today.”

    Joshua continued: “My mum was overjoyed, though she expected it. She could not believe it when it was confirmed. My dad said he wanted to keep hearing the testimony of how I made it happen and each time he hears it, it is breaking news to him.”

    Sharing the secret of their feat, Joshua said anybody’s success is dependent on the kind of company he keeps. “I have always had successful and hardworking people around me. So, I draw energy and motivation from them. I would say that God’s favour made it happen, but I enjoy reading in the night except at weekends,” he said.

    Joshua continued: “Most of the time, I came back from night class around 5:30am to sleep before going for lectures. After lectures, I would return to my hostel to prepare for night reading. After sleeping for two to three hours, I would wake up to go for fellowship. From there, I would go for night reading till the following morning.”

    Henry said commitment, consistency and discipline are the prices to pay for success. Anybody, he said, could be the best, if he shows discipline and commitment. “My daily routine is similar to Henry’s; only that I slept for more hours than I studied,” he said.

    What is their sole desire? The valedictorians said they would be happy, if any of their junior colleagues in their respective departments could break their academic records. Achieving a CGPA of 4.85 would demand vigorous study. But, Henry believes his academic record could be broken if students set their priorities right.

    He said: “The only thing that kills a mission is distraction. I will advise my junior colleagues to design a plan and timetable, because they cannot be reading at random and expect to have a well-structured result. They should try to summaries their lecture note and textbooks in their own understanding for better concentration, comprehension and retention.

    “If, after reading, and one cannot clearly understand key concepts and highlights of a course, then it is a clear sign that such a person did not understand it or he may be cramming. I equally believe that everyone has its own way of achieving excellence. What is needed is self-discovery.”

    Joshua said: “Academic excellence is achievable for students who wish to attain enviable feat and height in their studies. They must carefully choose their friends, dedicate quality time to studies and be ambitions. They must always make up for lost time. The Almighty God is the pillar of all wisdom and knowledge.”

  • Unizik begins business school

    Unizik begins business school

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) is set to commence its business school to help fix budget problems in the country.

    Already, invitations have gone to all the Southeast and Southsouth governors to be part of  history tomorrow tagged “First Budget Roundtable”.

    As a result, Lt.-Gen. Charles Obiakor (rtd) has been appointed to teach business security in the school alongside others, such as Dr. Okey Ikechukwu.

    Also, former Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Petroleum, Prof Emmanuel Egboga would be on the board room for the business school.

    The Southeast and Southsouth governors, according to the Director of Business School, Prof Austine Nnonyelu, would be special guests of honour, alongside former Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof Osita Ogbu.

    The annual budget roundtable in the institution’s business school will be chaired by Anambra State Deputy Governor, Nkem Okeke, an economist with others, such as Prof Pat Utomi, and Prof Ben Osisioma, an accountant.

    Unizik’s Business School was first muted by former minister of Economic Planning and former chairman of the institution’s council, Chief Senas Ukpanah, which used to be Centre for Management Training.

  • All hail UNIZIK’s best

    All hail UNIZIK’s best

    Ikenna Henry Ozofor was the cynosure of all eyes at the 11th convocation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital. With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.85, the Chemical Engineering graduate was the school’s valedictorian. He also made history as the first student with the highest CGPA in the Faculty of Engineering. Ikenna shares his success story with FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (Corps member, NYSC, Katsina)

    With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.85, Ikenna Henry Ozofor became the overall Best Graduating Student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State. At the institution’s 11th convocation held last week, the valedictorian received several honours and accolades for graduating with the highest CGPA in the history of the Faculty of Engineering.

    When he stepped out for his speech, Ikenna, who studied Chemical Engineering, left members of the audience spellbound when he said: “I never prepared to graduate with a First Class even though I have always had what it takes to be the best.”

    He attributed his academic feat to hard work, perseverance and persistence, noting that failure was not an option for him despite offering tough courses.

    Having finished as the best student in secondary school, Ikenna was admitted into the university on scholarship. His sterling performance during his sophomore year  school made him to qualify for adittional scholarship offered by firms, including ABC Transport Company, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Chevron Agbami JV, and Allied Energy.

    The scholarship, Ikenna said, took care of his financial challenges in his undergraduate days, adding that it relieved his parents of the burden to support him.

    In an interview with CAMPUSLIFE before his valedictory speech at the ceremony, he  disclosed that his academic sojourn was replete with misery and challenges he did not plan for. He said he was able to turn his challenges to a  success story, having kept his faith in God to whom he dedicated his achievement.

    According to Ikenna, his ability to become the best was never doubted. “Like I said, I was convinced I had what it takes to be the best despite my immediate challenges. I always tried to give my best in whatever I did,” he said.

    Unlike many valedictorians, who read for extensive period, Ikenna revealed that he did not spend long hours reading his books. He said he does not have the stamina to read for a long period, noting that the time he used to sleep was more than that which he spent  reading. He said  he consistently maximised the little time he reserved for reading.

    Hear him: “I don’t read for too long hours. My average reading period was four hours and I don’t think I can go beyond this. But, I consistently maximised the little time to understand what was necessary in courses I offered. My daily routine was fixed. I would go for lectures in the morning till evening. When I returned, I would eat and sleep for five hours. I would be awake for four hours to study.”

    Unlike most First Class graduates who normally stay away from social activities while in school, Ikenna is different. He participated in every social event in his department faculty. He described social life as part and parcel of education, noting that he enjoyed his social engagements.

    He said: “Education is not based on academics alone. A good student needs to be socially-conscious. I participated in every social function organised in my department and faculty since my first year in school. Let me make it clear that, I always studied ahead in courses I offered in each semester before the period for social activities. I would have been through with each course outline before Students’ Week and other social events.”

    In his valedictory speech, Ikenna said: “My academic path has been decorated with God’s special grace and providence as I enjoyed sound elementary and secondary education at Adonai Foundation School and Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), both in Onitsha.

    “Having graduated with flying colours from DMGS and met the requirements set for university admission, I was admitted to study Chemical Engineering in a reputable institution, where giants are trained and nurtured.

    “As demanded by its worth, everything about UNIZIK requires tenacity of purpose from students. I was admitted into the university with little expectation. I did not know what CGPA meant, neither did I know what First Class was. My priority then was to make sure I made ‘A’ grade in all the courses. The goal demanded much sacrifice, which I tried meeting through consistency and commitment to my studies.

    “It has been five years of interesting mission. All through my academic journey, there was period of miseries, but God’s grace saw me through all challenges and made me the best.”

    While advising his colleagues in junior classes, Ikenna urged them to study hard and pray for God’s guidance. He said: “There are no shortcuts and secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. They should not give up.”

     

     

     

  • UNILAG stuns all, lifts AMK/NUGA Basketball trophy

    UNILAG stuns all, lifts AMK/NUGA Basketball trophy

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) male team have emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Ahmadu Musa Kida (AMK) Foundation/Nigeria University Games (NUGA) 3X3 Basketball Competition in a final decided on Sunday in Abuja.

    They beat neighbours, University of Ibadan (UI) in the final game to claim the trophy as well as qualify to represent Nigeria at the World University Tournament.

    Basketball power house, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) settled for the bronze medal.

    In the female category, Bayero University Kano (BUK) subdued fellow northern team, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to pick the gold, leaving the latter with the silver.

    University of Ibadan again, put up a good fight to settle for the bronze medal.

    ABU defeated Nasssrawa to pick bronze in men and UI defeated UNIZIK.

    Minister of Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who was the Special Guest of Honour, lauded AMK Foundation as shining example of what NGO’s can do to promote youth empowerment through sports.

    He confirmed readiness of government to reforming the sports sector insisting that the only pathway to growth will be through the grassroots.

    He also thanked NUGA for expanding its programs beyond the biannual sporting festival.
    AMK Foundation President Engr Musa Ahmadu Kida in his speech expressed the readiness of the Foundation to remain committed to its foundation goals of empowering the youths through education and sports, saying that the investment in NUGA basketball is a continuation of that service.

    He confirmed the interest of the foundation to solidify the partnership with NUGA going further into other Basketball enterprises.

    NUGA President Professor Stephen Hamafyelto expressed gratitude to AMK for the sponsorship urging other private stakeholders to follow suit.

    He also canvassed for adequate funding for NUGA from government to ensure that the sporting sector within the university system remains vibrant.

    Other side events at the occasion were a slam dunk competition, free throws, and a 3pts shoot out. Most valuable player awards were given to outstanding male and female players.