UNIJOS to Introduce Over Ten New Academic Programmes, Paving the Way for a Sports Institute

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The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, has announced a bold initiative to introduce over ten new academic programmes as part of efforts to establish a world-class Sports Institute within the University. The programmes will cover diverse areas such as Sports Marketing, Sports Medicine, Sports Psychology, Sports Journalism, Sports Law, and Sports Management.

 

“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,” Professor Ishaya emphasized. He described the institute as a hub for training the next generation of sports professionals in Nigeria, leveraging the University’s strong academic foundation.

 

The announcement was made during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Jos and Belgush Royal Promotions, a sports, entertainment, and media management firm. The partnership aims to host the National University Games Association (NUGA) festival and support the development of the Sports Institute.

 

Highlighting an exciting collaboration with the National Sports University of Korea, Professor Ishaya noted, “With our strategic vision, we are filling a significant gap in Nigeria’s Sports Education landscape. The specialized courses we are introducing are unprecedented in Nigerian universities.”

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He pointed to Jos’ unique climatic conditions as ideal for training athletes, adding, “Universities are for the future, and we are thinking ahead. These programmes will help shape the future of Nigerian Sports.”

 

Professor Ishaya praised Belgush Royal Promotions for their persistence in finalizing the MOU, despite challenges. “The alignment of our goals strengthens our determination to achieve long-term success,” he said.

 

Belgush Royal Promotion’s Chairman, Chief Obed Gushem, lauded the University’s strategic vision, saying, “This partnership will unlock vast opportunities to discover talents and drive sports development.”

 

Echoing this sentiment, Mallam Mainasara Illo, a renowned sports administrator and director at Belgush Royal Promotions, described Plateau State as a “serene and strategic location for staging sports events.” He promised significant resources to make the NUGA festival hosted by the University of Jos the best in history.

 

Dr. Ladan Salihu, a veteran broadcaster and former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, hailed the initiative as a “momentous collaboration” and stated, “Through this partnership, UNIJOS is set to lead the growth of Sports Education and development in Nigeria.”

 

Reflecting on the NUGA festival, Dr. Salihu added, “Despite the short preparation period, this platform offers young athletes a chance to showcase their talents and contribute to the nation’s sports legacy.”

 

The high point of the event was the signing of the MOU, witnessed by university officials, members of the NUGA Local Organizing Committee, UNIJOS Sports Committee, and Belgush Royal Promotions representatives.

 

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