Chinedum Treasure
The Pre-Medical Programmes Unit of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has successfully concluded its maiden Pre-Med Football Tournament, which marks a historic milestone in the Unit’s commitment to promoting sportsmanship, teamwork and holistic education among students.
The four-week competition, which commenced on June 29 and culminated in a colourful grand finale on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, brought together students from twelve Pre-Medical departments in a keenly contested football championship that showcased discipline, resilience and healthy rivalry.
The sporting initiative, the first of its kind in the history of the Pre-Medical Programmes Unit, this writer gathered, was conceived and championed by the Coordinator, Prof. Ebere Yvonne Nwamaka Ihegihu, whose vision and determination laid the foundation for student development beyond the classroom.
Speaking at the grand finale, Ihegihu expressed profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, for approving and supporting the initiative.
She noted that the tournament reflected the university’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates.
The Coordinator commended participating departments for embracing the competition in the spirit of unity, discipline and fair play, stressing that the tournament was designed not merely to identify champions but to strengthen friendship.
She encouraged physical fitness and foster collaboration among future healthcare professionals.
Ihegihu also announced that every student who participated in the tournament would receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their commitment and sportsmanship.
The final encounter between Medicine and Environmental Health Science lived up to expectations, attracting enthusiastic support from staff, students and invited guests.
After a fiercely contested match ended goalless in regulation time, Medicine held their nerves to triumph via a penalty shootout, emerging champions of the maiden edition.
Earlier, Forensic Science defeated Pharmacy by a lone goal to secure third place.
The colourful finale also featured an entertaining performance by the Pre-Med dancing group before the championship match, adding excitement and glamour to the occasion.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor at the event, Prof. Paul Okolie, a member of the University Governing Council, commended the organisers for initiating a programme that complements academic excellence with physical and social development.
The event also attracted several distinguished personalities, including former Nigerian Ambassador to Burundi and Grand Patron of the Pre-Med Sports Programme, Amb. Odii Nwosu and his wife, Mrs. Ego Nwosu; the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Ikechukwu Mbachu.
Others are the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Virginia Ejiofor; Prof. Glad Ahaneku; former Pre-Med Coordinators, Prof. Emmanuel Akunne, Prof. Azubuike Enemor and Dr. Victor Okonkwo; the Medical Librarian, Dr. Adaeze Nzewi, alongside other principal officers of the University.
The Dean of Biosciences, Prof. Kenneth Ekwealor, represented the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Alex Chinwuba Asigbo, while the Deputy Coordinator of the Pre-Medical Programmes Unit, Dr. Onyekachi Udemezue, delivered the vote of thanks.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of trophies, medals and awards to Medicine as champions, Environmental Health Science as runners-up, and Forensic Science as the third-place team.
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