UNIABUJA ATHLETES CRY OUT: “WE DESERVE BETTER TREATMENT!”

The atmosphere at the just concluded Pre-NUGA Games 2025, hosted by the University of Abuja, was meant to be one of pride and celebration. But instead of excitement, the mood has turned sour as university athletes lament neglect and unpaid allowances from the institution’s Directorate of Sports and Bursary Department.

The games, held from October 8th, 2025, brought together universities across North Central Nigeria for qualification into the main NUGA Games. The hosting university, UniAbuja, participated in almost all sporting categories — qualifying in over 90% of them — a feat that should ordinarily bring joy to the campus community.

However, 80% of the athletes who represented the university now say that joy has turned to frustration.

Speaking with Nuesa press correspondence, several students expressed deep disappointment that despite putting in their time, energy, and personal resources to make the school proud, their promised ₦52,500 allowances for feeding and logistics remain unpaid.

“We trained all through the holidays when others were resting. We competed under the sun to raise the name of this school high,” one athlete said. “But till now, our allowances haven’t been paid. It’s as if our efforts mean nothing.”

Many are now asking: Where is the money?

According to reports, the Bursary Department has continued to delay payment, despite confirming that allocations were approved.

This situation has angered many in the student community, especially given that sports levies are already included in students’ tuition fees.

“How can the school claim there’s no money for athletes when every student pays for sports development?” a student leader questioned.

Even more troubling are emerging rumours that UniAbuja may not sponsor its athletes to the upcoming main NUGA Games at the University of Jos, citing budget constraints and “lack of numbers.”

If confirmed, this would mean that many dedicated athletes who qualified will be unable to represent the school at the national level.

“This is unacceptable,” another athlete said. “We worked so hard to qualify, and now they want to abandon us. What message does that send?”

Students are now calling on the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Matthew Adamu, to urgently intervene and ensure justice is done.

“This is beyond just money,” a student added. “It’s about respect for students who represent this school. We are ambassadors of UniAbuja — we should not be treated like afterthoughts.”

Sports remain one of the strongest pillars of unity in Nigerian universities. The University of Abuja, known as the “University for National Unity,” must uphold that spirit by ensuring fairness, transparency, and support for its student-athletes.

The students have played their part — now, the ball is in the university’s court.