UG 2018

UMa Rector grants press conference

The Rector of the University of Maroua (UMa) granted a press conference on the 9^th of May 2018 in a bid to appreciate the unfolding of the 21st edition of the university games at midway. Speaking at the press conference, Prof Idrissou Alioum welcomed and thanked media men and women for honoring the invitation. At about 2days to the end of the games, Prof Alioum gave assurance concerning the satisfaction of the local organizing committee with the unfolding of events vis-à-vis the organization proper, the competitions as well as participation of the University of Maroua. Looking at the organization, activities linked to transportation, logistics, volunteering, animation, the games village, security, finance and marketing, medical coverage are on-going smoothly as no major incident has been recorded so far.

Prof Idrissou Alioum insisted on two key aspects of the games that could be a worry for the success of the event notably: lodging and catering but assured everyone that both activities are being handled with care and are nonetheless going on smoothly.

As per activities related to competitions, the Rector of UMa made it known that they are taking place in campuses A of kongola and B of Ouro Tchede. Other playing grounds like the sports complex of Domayo and that of Kalyawo have been very instrumental for the competition. This edition of the games records the participation of 18 universities and higher education institutions of the country.

The Rector reminded all those present that the UMa is not only organizing the games but is also participating and even though the harvest of medals is quite competitive, Uma has so far won 4 medals but clarifications were not given as to whether they were in gold, silver or bronze. However the Rector of UMa remains optimistic given that his athletes are still in the competition in football men, athletics and volleyball. His prayer is that the UMa will not only perform like in Bamenda 2017 where they returned with 6 medals but will rather go beyond that performance. The rector went on to stress on the fact that athletes of UMa should go for victory not at all cost but they have been asked at all cost to preserve the values of UMa which are hospitality, solidarity and fair play.

Prof Idrissou Alioum seized the opportunity to thank the president of FENASU ,Prof Maurice Aurelien Sosso who is accompanied UMa in the organization of the games.

He also congratulated the internal and local organizing committee for the colorful launching ceremony that took place in the magnificent tribune that can host close to 2000 people and also the athletics pitch which is not effective in the Olympic norms but has permitted athletes to exhibit their practical know. Meanwhile hopes are very high to seeing works on the playing grounds finalized so as to permit the fielding remaining finals in Kongola. As for questions related to security, the rector expressed satisfaction on the security measures deployed but nonetheless called on all to remain extremely vigilant because the question of security is an every time issue to reckon with.

The University of Maroua is hosting the 21st edition of the university games this in accordance with the authorization issued by the Head of State on the 30th of October 2017 and the holding of the games is the clear materialization of the high decision of Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of Higher Education and Chancellor of Academic orders. DT