by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, says the University is set to introduce over ten (10) new academic programmes in the area of Sports Education after completing a comprehensive design for the establishment of a Sports Institute at the University.
According to him, these new programmes include Sports Marketing, Sports Medicine, Sports Psychology, Sports Journalism, Sports Law, and Sports Management, among several others.
The Vice-Chancellor made the disclosure, while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Jos and Belgush Royal Promotions, a Sports, Entertainment and Media Events Management firm, for a partnership that will focus on hosting the National University Games Association (NUGA) and the establishment of a world-class Sports Institute within the University.
He explained that the Sports Institute would serve as a hub for producing the next generation of sports professionals in Nigeria, leveraging the University’s strong academic framework.
He stressed that, “This is not just about building a Sports Center; it is about bringing back the glory of Plateau State through sports, while raising a new breed of Nigerian professional players.”
Prof. Ishaya revealed that the partnership will also include an exciting collaboration with the National Sports University of Korea, which is set to contribute expertise to the development of the Sports Institute.
He also noted that, with the University’s strategic vision, the new academic programmes aims to fill a gap in Nigeria’s Sports Education landscape, as there is currently no Nigerian University offering such specialized courses.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that, the University’s location in Jos, with its unique climatic condition, provides an ideal environment for nurturing young talented athletes.
He observed that, “Universities are for the future, and that is why the University is thinking ahead,” noting that the new sports programmes will help shape the future of Nigerian Sports.
Prof. Ishaya expressed his appreciation to Belgush Royal Promotions for the company’s consistency, which he believes brought the MOU to fruition, despite a few challenges being experienced along the way.
He emphasized the determination of both parties to see the partnership through and commended the alignment of the goals of both organizations, which will strengthen their commitment towards achieving long-term success.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that, the University is in discussions with National Sports Commission through its Director-General, Mallam Shehu Dikko, whom has shown strong support to the institution’s efforts towards hosting the NUGA Sports festival and establishing a Sports Institute.
He stressed that such collaborations are expected to bring significant value to the University’s ambitions, not only for the upcoming NUGA competition but for the holistic and long-term development of its Academic curricula.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of Belgush Royal Promotion, Chief Obed Gushem, expressed satisfaction with the University’s initiative and emphasized that there are vast opportunities that partnering with the University will help discover.
Chief Gushem praised the University Administration for its strategic vision, and acknowledged the competence and diligence of its Staff and Students, despite the challenges daily being encountered in carrying out their roles.
Similarly, a former broadcaster and renowned Sports Administrator, Mallam Mainasara Illo, who is a Director at Belgush Royal Promotion, described Plateau State as a serene and strategic location for staging sports events that can capture national attention.
He noted that, the signing of the MOU will open new avenues for growth and collaboration, and assured that Belgush Royal Promotions would commit significant manpower as well as resources towards ensuring that the NUGA Festival hosted by UNIJOS would be the best in history.
Also contributing, a former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and veteran broadcaster, Dr Ladan Salihu, said the event marks the beginning of a momentous collaboration and, believes that through the partnership, the University of Jos is set to play a leading role in the growth of Sports Education and development in Nigeria.
For Dr Salihu, although the preparation period for hosting the games is short, NUGA is a unique platform for young athletes and sports professionals to showcase their talents, while contributing to the nation’s sports legacy.
He opined that, as both parties work towards the successful realization of the MOU’s objectives, the University can become a major player in the Nigerian sports scene by hosting outstanding competitions and training the next generation of sports leaders.