UNIJOS BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF 10 LANE OLYMPIC SIZE SWIMMING POOL AHEAD OF NUGA SPORTS FESTIVAL

UNIJOS BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF 10 LANE OLYMPIC SIZE SWIMMING POOL AHEAD OF NUGA SPORTS FESTIVAL

Ahead of the 2024 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) Sports Festival to hold in the University of Jos between April and May 2025, the University Authorities have handed over a project site for the construction of a 10-Lane Olympic Size Swimming Pool which will be used for the competition.

During the handing-over ceremony held at the project site behind the J.T. Useni Stadium, Naraguta Campus of the University, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya described the project as one of the major milestones that the University has been striving to attain due to the critical role it would play during the competition. Professor Ishaya believes, once the project is completed, all the necessary sporting facilities required for the University to host the best NUGA Festival would have been in place.

Ishaya, while explaining that the 10-Lane Olympic Swimming Pool is the last major project needed for hosting NUGA which is being funded from Internally Generated Revenue, appealed to the Contractors to carry out the work expeditiously in order to deliver within the timeframe and desired quality. According to him, “we don't want stories of Swimming Pools that are not effective.” He added that the University is not just hosting NUGA, but is hosting to win, which is why all the necessary facilities are being put in place to ensure that the Student Athletes are provided the platform to perform at their best.

The Vice-Chancellor called on both the Consultant and the Contractors to work diligently, and tasked the Directorate of Physical facilities to properly monitor progress on the project so as to ensure that it is completed within the stipulated time of 16 weeks. He directed that there should be a weekly briefing to update Management on the progress of work so that the facility can be made available to the Athletes at least three months before the Games begin to enable them train properly and familiarize themselves with the terrain.

Speaking on behalf of the Project Consultants, Builders Consult Limited, Engineer Vincent Ozoilo assured that they will engage in rigorous supervision to ensure the project is undertaken according to the design template and timeline. Engineer Ozoilo noted the project’s importance to the successful hosting of the NUGA Festival, and therefore promised that all the services required to deliver on a quality job would be provided under a well monitored work environment to ensure that they deliver before the 16 weeks completion period.

Responding on behalf of the Contractors, representative of Kaplan Consults Limited, Mr. Kinsley Nathaniel said, they will deploy the expertise needed to execute the project such that upon completion, the University will have a Swimming Pool and accessories of international standard.

While pledging to execute a quality, durable and a standard work that will stand the test of time, Nathaniel assured that they will do their best to avoid any errors and mistakes while executing the job. He appreciated the University Management for giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent and assured that since many of them are Alumni of the University of Jos, they also have a passionate attachment to the project.

Earlier, the University’s Director of Physical Facilities, Architect (Mrs) Halima Auta explained that the project consisted of the construction of a 10-Lane Olympic Size Swimming Pool and construction of a View Pavilion and Changing Rooms to be handled by Kaplan Consult Limited while the construction of the Training Pool, Procurement and Installation would be carried out by Caniyota Limited, all of which are being funded under the University’s Internally Generated Revenue.

Architect Auta, who was represented by Architect Pam Bot, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for always keeping them on their toes and also standing by his words. She appealed to the Contractors to meticulously and diligently handle the project and deliver on time in order to meet up with the target completion date, emphasizing that there is no room for delay or entertaining any unnecessary complaints.

Also contributing, Chairman of the University of Jos Sports Committee, Professor Ishaya Pam said handing over the project site has demonstrated the persistence of the University Administration in pursuing excellence in all aspects of preparation for the NUGA Sports Festival. He expressed delight that the process for selecting the project Contractors was thorough and transparent, confirming that the University desires to work with experts with the requisite experience in the construction of Sports infrastructure, since not many of them are found in that area. He appreciated the project Consultants, the Directorate of Physical Facilities and many others who have worked hard to ensure that the right quality and the right team are put in place, which is a signal that success is underway.

Professor Pam, further thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his support as the University prepares to attend the African University Games in Lagos and the World University Games coming up next year in Germany which, he believes, will be springboard for the University’s Athletes to prepare for the upcoming NUGA Competition.

*Report by Isaac Uzer, Information and Publications Division