The Plateau State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for a collaborative effort with the University of Jos (UNIJOS) to enhance sports development in anticipation of the upcoming Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) competition, which will be hosted by the university.
In a statement issued by Abdullahi Abdullahi, Senior Deputy Registrar (Information & Publications), the appeal was made by SWAN officials during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of UNIJOS in the Conference Room of the Administrative Building at Naraguta Campus.
SWAN Chairman, Mr. Saiki, highlighted the importance of providing educational opportunities for members of the association, urging the university to consider SWAN members who wish to further their studies at UNIJOS. He emphasised that SWAN prioritises the capacity development of its members and that qualified sports journalists applying for the university’s forthcoming sports-related programmes should receive preferential consideration.
Confirming SWAN’s support for the NUGA competition scheduled for November, Mr. Saiki pledged that sports journalists in Plateau State are prepared to promote the event across various media platforms, including print, electronic, and online outlets. He also proposed a pre-Games media tour of the university’s sports facilities to showcase ongoing developments and enhance publicity for the tournament.
As part of the envisioned collaboration, Mr. Saiki requested access to UNIJOS’s sports facilities, including the football pitch, basketball courts, and athletics track, to enable SWAN to organise some of its sporting activities effectively.
Additionally, he shared SWAN’s vision of hosting sports journalism workshops in partnership with the university’s departments of Mass Communication, Mathematics (Statistics), and Physical and Health Education, aiming to explore data-driven sports reporting.
Mr. Saiki also expressed interest in integrating members of the university’s campus radio station, ICE FM, into the association, noting that the key requirement for membership is a diploma in Mass Communication. With over 50 active members in Plateau State, SWAN is keen to expand its membership, believing that staff from UNIJOS’s ICE FM can make a meaningful contribution.
In response, Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, welcomed SWAN’s initiative for collaboration, particularly as the institution strengthens its ties with media partners.
Professor Ishaya remarked, “As a university, we believe in partnerships. I’m glad that SWAN is here to identify areas where we can work together. Sports is a significant industry that we must not overlook, and our students should have the opportunity to pursue it professionally.”
While acknowledging the delays encountered in preparations for the NUGA competition, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to delivering the event successfully, with 14 new sports facilities under development. He also reiterated the university’s ongoing support for student-athletes, including sponsorships for international university sports competitions such as the FISU Games in China and this year’s competition in Germany.
According to Professor Ishaya, the university is committed to helping its students excel in sports and looks forward to a productive partnership with SWAN that not only promotes NUGA but also ensures that talented students gain recognition on both national and global stages.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
