ABUAD Emerges Overall Champion at 8th NPUGA 2025 with 42 Medals

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has emerged as the Overall Champion at the 8th Nigeria Private University Games (NPUGA), clinching an impressive total of 42 medals after ten days of intense sporting competition.

The games, which brought together over 25 private universities across the country, were hosted at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, from August 12 to 22, 2025 with ABUAD leading with 11 Gold, 14 Silver and 17 Bronze medals.

Speaking on the landmark victory, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, through a congratulatory message released upon receiving the news expressed immense pride, describing the feat as “a glowing testament to the athleticism, discipline, and indomitable teamwork of our student-athletes, as well as the enduring ‘can-do’ spirit of our illustrious Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN.”

The triumph, Professor Olarinde noted, highlights ABUAD’s commitment to excellence beyond academics, reinforcing the institution’s rising profile within the Nigerian private university sports fraternity.

ABUAD’s accomplishment with a margin of 20 medals difference, when compared to the 22 medals bagged by the institution in second place, was further attributed to the strategic leadership and coordination of the Institution’s Directorate of Sports, under the outstanding leadership of Prof. Edward Babalola. His role and the commitment of members of and the ABUAD’s sports team who pivotal in building a winning culture within the university’s sports community.

Professor Olarinde commended the student-athletes, coaches, support staff, and all contributors behind the scenes, adding that this historic achievement will inspire the ABUAD community to continue nurturing talents, teamwork and integrity.

“This victory is proof that when we come together with purpose and conviction discipline, we can shine on any platform. It also fuels our collective resolve to uphold our Founder’s vision of building a world-class institution excelling in all spheres,” she stated.

The 8th NPUGA provided a platform for private universities to showcase sporting talents, foster unity, perseverance and celebrate healthy competition. For ABUAD, the championship represents not only athletic excellence but also a reaffirmation of its holistic approach to education.