Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has won the 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta (ABTESF). They topped the competition with a total of 136 medals from 18 schools. MOUAU claimed 47 gold, 47 silver, and 42 bronze medals, finishing first in the medals table. This was the second edition of the event, featuring 24 different sports.
Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, came in second place, earning 98 medals, which included 47 gold, 31 silver, and 20 bronze. Abia State University, Uturu, took third place with 87 medals. Gregory University, Uturu, finished fourth with 68 medals, including 37 gold, 15 silver, and 16 bronze.
The competition wrapped up on Friday with a closing ceremony at Umuahia Township Stadium. Speaking at the event, Governor Alex Otti highlighted the importance of sports in the overall growth of students. He emphasized that education should not just focus on academic achievements.
Mr Otti, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, stated that physical, mental, and social development are key parts of education. He said, “Having 18 institutions compete in about 24 sporting competitions is a hit. And we know that this will contribute greatly to the all-round development of our students.”
The governor pointed out that investing in educational facilities would not be enough if the students' mental growth was ignored. He remarked, “If the brick and mortar are overhauled and the mind remains the same, we have achieved little. So we know that what is happening today will overhaul the minds of our children and make us ready for the outside world.” This statement was shared on Facebook by Ferdinand Ekeoma, his special adviser on media and publicity.
Focus on Sports and Development
Uche Eme Uche, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education in Abia, explained that the competition aims to encourage physical fitness as part of the state’s educational goals. She noted that the second edition showed better organization, more participants, and stronger commitment from the schools involved.
She said, “Building on experiences and lessons from the inaugural edition, we have witnessed improved organisation, broader participation and stronger institutional commitment to making ABTESF a sustainable feature of our tertiary education calendar.” Ms Uche thanked Mr Otti for supporting and funding the event.
Emeka Enyiazu, the Chairperson of the Central Working Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, added that the fiesta allowed students from federal, state, and private schools to compete together. He described the competition as a chance to find young talents, promote unity, and develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience among students.
He noted that this initiative would help prepare talented athletes for national and international events. The 2026 edition included 18 tertiary institutions from across Abia State, with organizers hopeful that this competition will continue as a regular part of the state’s educational calendar.
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