NUGA 2024 COMPETITION: UNIJOS HANDS OVER TWO SIGNIFICANT PROJECT SITES

UNIVERSITY OF JOS, JOS NIGERIA

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL DIVISION

PRESS RELEASE

NUGA 2024 COMPETITION: UNIJOS HANDS OVER TWO SIGNIFICANT PROJECT SITES TO CONTRACTORS

Ahead of the forthcoming 2024 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) Competition slated to hold in the University of Jos, authorities of the University have handed over two Project Sites for the construction of some facilities significant to hosting the Games.

The Projects to be undertaken are the proposed Indoor Multipurpose Sports Complex and the proposed Sports Pavilion, both at the J.T. Useni Mini Stadium, Naraguta Campus of the University. They are to be funded under the Year 2023 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) Special Intervention and Year 2023 Normal Intervention for the Department of Physical and Health Education.

Handing over the Project Sites to the Contractors, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya appealed to them to execute the projects according to the desired quality and specifications and also sued for timely completion and delivery of the projects.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the Indoor Sports Complex and the Sports Pavilion are state-of-the-art facilities that are not just meant for the NUGA festival, but are meant to serve Plateau State and Nigeria at large in the area of hosting national and international sports events, adding that they will be the first of its kind in Nigeria. Professor Ishaya said, the University is committed to delivering on his earlier promise of hosting the best ever NUGA games and assured that they are on track to fulfilling that mandate.

Speaking separately on behalf of their Construction Firms, Architect Wanger Akindigh of Choice Leisure Limited and Philip Jimoh of Stargraw Nigeria Limited, both appreciated the University for giving them the opportunity to showcase their expertise. The Contractors pledged to handle the Projects with all the seriousness it deserves and in line with the Contract terms.

The Contractors said, as professionals, they have the capacity to execute the projects based on approved construction standards, quality control and architectural aesthetics, and appealed for the timely release of funds to enable them carry out the Projects on time and not incur additional costs due to increment in cost of materials.

Similarly, the Project Consultants handling the supervision for the Indoor Sports Complex, Citadal Development and Design Consultants Limited and the Firm supervising the Sports Pavilion, Altigra Nigeria Limited, represented by Architect Umar Audu and Bitrus Gambo, both promised that their Firms would supervise the Projects with utmost diligence to ensure that the work is executed on time and in line with the contract templates.

Also speaking, Acting NUGA President, Professor (Engineer) Bawa Mohammed expressed delight with the University of Jos over the Projects, saying it is the first time in the history of NUGA that a host University has invited NUGA officials to witness how Projects for the Games are being executed. According to him, this shows the level of transparency exhibited by UNIJOS.

Engineer Bawa said, with the handing over of the construction sites, they are convinced that the template earlier presented by the University during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NUGA is becoming a reality. He congratulated the Vice-Chancellor for taking such bold steps, stressing that so far, the University has shown commitment towards hosting the best ever NUGA games as promised.

Contributing, Chairman, University of Jos Sports Committee, Professor Ishaya Pam said, with the handing over of the Project Sites, the seriousness of UNIJOS to host the 2024 NUGA games is not in doubt. Professor Pam acknowledged the tireless efforts of the University Administration towards hosting the competition, assuring that the Sports Committee will play its role to ensure the University puts up a credible outing while hosting the games.

Earlier while presenting an overview of the projects, Director, Physical Facilities, University of Jos, Architect (Mrs.) Halima Auta explained that the Indoor Sports Complex, apart from being used for the NUGA games, will serve the Department of Physical and Health Education for the training of Athletes, Coaches and other Sports Professionals in Physical and Health related Disciplines. The facility, which is to be equipped with an Information Billboard, is expected to be completed under 48 weeks while the One Thousand (1,000) capacity Spectators Sports Pavilion will be fitted with Conveniences, Changing Rooms and Halls for various sports, and is to be completed within 36 weeks.

Meanwhile, a Municipal Services Project has been completed and handed over to the University of Jos under the Year 2022 Capital Appropriation for the University. The completed Project executed by Messrs De-Shanu Concept Limited comprises of Supply and Installation of Solar Powered Street Light, Rehabilitation of Pump House, Rehabilitation of Concrete Ground Tank, Drilling of 2 Industrial Solar Boreholes and Water Reticulation.

Taking over the facility, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya commended the Contractor for overcoming all the challenges associated with carrying out the Project especially funding shortages, to complete and hand it over to the University for usage. The Vice-Chancellor described the Project as one of the most difficult and technically challenged, yet it was completed within the agreed timeframe.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the Municipal Services provided will help ease the difficulties faced by Students living on campus and called for proper maintenance of the facility to enable it enjoy a long life span.

Speaking earlier, the representative of the Contractor, Messrs De-Shanu Concept Limited, appreciated the University Management for availing them the platform to contribute their quota to the development of the institution.

The potable water component of the Municipal Services project consists of over One Million Litres Overhead Tank and another Two Million Litres Underground Tank that had been abandoned for many years until it was earmarked for resuscitation by the Professor Tanko Ishaya Administration which awarded the contract for its rehabilitation in 2023. 

Signed:

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Senior Deputy Registrar (Information and Publications)