OAU VC Reaffirms Readiness to Host West Africa University Games, Awards Mascot & Logo Winners

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, officially unveiled the logo and mascot of the 2026 West African Universities Games (WAUG) at a press conference held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, signalling another major step in preparations for the regional sporting festival scheduled for October. OAU Vice Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire was at the centre of the event, alongside his deputy vice chancellors who also graced the occasion.

Addressing journalists, university officials, sports administrators, partners and other stakeholders, the vice chancellor described the unveiling as more than the presentation of two visual identities. According to him, the occasion represented the unveiling of the university's vision and commitment to delivering a memorable edition of the Games.

OAU will host WAUG from October 2 to 12, 2026, welcoming student-athletes from universities across West Africa. During the ceremony, the winners of the WAUG 2026 Logo and Mascot Design Challenge were also honoured with giant cheques of ₦50,000 each in recognition of their winning entries. Ayanlere Abdulrahman and Oluwagbayin Ojo emerged as winners of the challenge for designing the assets, which were officially adopted as the visual identity of the Games.

Also Read: OAU Unveils WAUG 2026 Mascot and Logo Ahead of October Games

In his address, Professor Simeon Bamire said the institution considers the hosting rights both an honour and a responsibility, noting that the Games provide an opportunity to promote regional unity while showcasing the university's longstanding reputation for academic excellence, innovation, sports development and effective administration.

"The unveiling of the logo and mascot is a declaration that Obafemi Awolowo University is fully prepared to welcome the brightest student-athletes from across West Africa to an unforgettable festival of sports, friendship, scholarship and cultural integration," the Vice Chancellor said.

Professor Bamire noted that WAUG has, over the years, served as one of the region's foremost platforms for strengthening relationships among universities through sport. He said the competition continues to demonstrate the power of sports to bridge national, linguistic and cultural differences while fostering mutual respect among young people.

Speaking on the newly unveiled logo, the Vice-Chancellor explained that its design reflects the core values of the Games, including excellence, unity, resilience and healthy competition. He added that the mascot symbolises the energy, courage and hospitality that participants and visitors can expect when they arrive in Ile-Ife for the tournament.

Professor Bamire assured participating institutions that preparations for the Games are progressing steadily across all operational areas. He disclosed that various committees are working to ensure international standards are met, with ongoing upgrades to sporting facilities, improvements in accommodation, transportation planning, healthcare services, security arrangements and volunteer training.

He stressed that the university's ambition extends beyond successfully hosting the competition. According to him, OAU aims to establish a benchmark for future editions of WAUG through quality organisation, fairness, safety and exceptional hospitality.

Beyond sporting competition, Professor Bamire said WAUG 2026 would encourage intellectual engagement among students and university administrators, strengthen cultural exchange, promote tourism and reinforce regional cooperation within West Africa.

He also assured participating universities of a memorable experience in Ile-Ife, describing the ancient city as a centre of history, culture and heritage where visitors would experience both the university's hospitality and Nigeria's rich cultural diversity.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, the Nigerian University Games Association, the West African Universities Games Council, members of the university's Governing Council, alumni, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders supporting preparations for the Games.

He also commended the Local Organising Committee and its various subcommittees for the progress made so far, attributing the successful planning stages to their dedication and commitment.

Professor Bamire further acknowledged the role of the media in promoting the Games and urged journalists to continue projecting the values of excellence, unity and youth development that WAUG represents. He equally called on OAU students to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution by upholding discipline, integrity, sportsmanship and hospitality throughout the competition.

The unveiling of the official logo and mascot marks one of the most visible milestones in OAU's preparations for WAUG 2026 as the university enters the final phase of planning ahead of the Games in October.