WAUG holds Oct. 2–12 at OAU

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has disclosed plans to host the West African Universities Games (WAUG) 2026 from 2 to 12 October.

Unveiling the official logo and mascot for WAUG 2026 in Ile-Ife, OAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, said the university is ready to welcome student-athletes from across West Africa for a festival of sports, friendship, scholarship and cultural integration.

Bamire said OAU views hosting WAUG as more than an institutional task, describing it as a national and regional service. He said the university’s reputation for academic excellence, character development, innovation, sporting achievements and efficient administration positions it well for the event.

He noted that WAUG has long served as a platform for unity among universities in the sub-region, helping sports transcend national boundaries, language barriers, ethnic differences and cultural diversity, while promoting healthy competition and mutual respect.

Bamire said the mascot embodies traits such as energy, courage, friendliness and hospitality, reflecting OAU’s and Nigeria’s welcoming spirit towards all participants and visitors.

The Vice-Chancellor said committees are working to ensure international standards in the upgrading of sporting facilities, accommodation arrangements, transportation logistics, healthcare and security measures, as well as volunteer training for services during the Games.

He stated that WAUG 2026 should stand out not just as a sporting event, but as a benchmark for future editions in organisation, hospitality, safety, fairness and overall excellence.