NUGA Equips Volunteers for the 28th NUGA Games Through July Volunteer Network Webinar
The Nigerian University Games Association NUGA continued its 2026 Volunteer Network development series with the July edition of its monthly webinar held on 24 July 2026, themed Beyond the Volunteer Tag, Standing Out Through Service at the 28th NUGA Games. The session formed part of NUGAs preparations for the 28th NUGA Games and its continued commitment to developing volunteers who are equipped to contribute effectively within university sports and beyond.
Moderated by Ogechi Stella Mmeka, Administrative Officer and Communications Strategist at NUGA, the webinar encouraged participants to view volunteering as a platform for learning, leadership, and personal development while preparing for the upcoming Games at the University of Calabar.
The session featured volunteer remarks by Kolawole Esther, NUGA FISU Student Ambassador, who reflected on her experiences within university sports and encouraged participants to approach volunteering with commitment, purpose, and a willingness to learn. She highlighted the value of volunteering in building confidence, developing practical skills, and creating opportunities for growth beyond the classroom.
Facilitating the webinar was Adebayo Olatunde, a member of the FISU Education and Student Committee and alumnus of the Dream Together Masters Programme at Seoul National University. Speaking on the theme Beyond the Volunteer Tag, Standing Out Through Service at the 28th NUGA Games, From Local Impact to Global Opportunities, he challenged participants to see volunteering as more than event support, describing it as a pathway to leadership, professional growth, and international opportunities.
Throughout the session, Adebayo emphasized the importance of mindset, noting that the attitude volunteers bring to their responsibilities often determines the quality of their experience and the opportunities that follow. He encouraged participants to approach every assignment with professionalism, responsibility, and a commitment to creating value.
The discussion also focused on identifying opportunities rather than waiting for them. Participants were encouraged to take initiative, solve problems, build projects around identified needs, and remain intentional about developing skills that can create long term impact within and beyond university sports.
Drawing from his own journey through university sports, Adebayo demonstrated how consistent service, continuous learning, and active participation in volunteering can lead to greater responsibilities and international opportunities. He reflected on his progression from volunteering at departmental and faculty games to serving in leadership roles within NUGA, FASU, and FISU, culminating in his postgraduate studies and continued contributions to international university sport.
Another key focus of the webinar was preparation. Participants were encouraged to prepare adequately before every assignment by understanding their roles, communicating effectively, working collaboratively, and maintaining a professional attitude throughout every stage of an event. The session also highlighted the importance of building strong professional relationships and maintaining a positive reputation, as these often influence future opportunities.
The interactive session concluded with questions from participants on volunteering, career development, leadership, and creating opportunities through service. Responding to the discussions, Adebayo encouraged volunteers to remain curious, continue learning, embrace new experiences, and reflect on every volunteering opportunity as a means of improving future performance.
Closing the session, Ms. Chidiebere Ezeani, Sports Development Officer and Media and Marketing Officer at NUGA, reaffirmed the importance of the NUGA Volunteer Network as a platform for character development, leadership, and professional growth. She encouraged volunteers to actively engage within the network, build meaningful connections with fellow students, and take advantage of the opportunities shared through the platform.
Overall, the webinar reinforced the NUGA Volunteer Networks commitment to preparing volunteers who are equipped not only to support the successful delivery of the 28th NUGA Games but also to develop the leadership, professionalism, and practical skills required for future opportunities within university sports and the broader sports industry.