The 15th edition of the Games officially began on October 2 and will run until October 12. More than 2,500 athletes and officials are expected to participate across 18 sporting disciplines.
OAU welcomes universities from across West Africa
The opening ceremony was held at the Main Bowl of the OAU Sports Centre and featured a parade of participating institutions, cultural performances and the lighting of the Games flame.
The event is being staged under the theme “Uniting Universities, Inspiring Excellence”, highlighting the role of university sport in bringing young people and institutions together across national borders.
18 sports on the programme
The Games will feature competition across 18 sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, badminton, table tennis, lawn tennis, hockey, cricket, swimming, chess, eSports and squash.
The official WAUG platform also lists athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, taekwondo, cycling, wrestling and rugby among the sporting disciplines associated with the Games programme.
Cultural heritage takes centre stage
Beyond the sporting competition, the organisers have placed significant emphasis on Ile-Ife's cultural heritage.
The official Games mascot, Ori-Olokun, draws inspiration from Yoruba cultural symbols, including the Olokun head, Opele and cowries.
Traditional performances and Yoruba attire also featured prominently during the opening ceremony, giving the Games a strong cultural dimension alongside the sporting programme.
OAU targets a lasting legacy
OAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire described the Games as an investment in young people and said the infrastructure and systems developed for the competition should continue to benefit the university after the event.
The university is hosting WAUG for the second time in recent years, having previously staged the competition in 2023. OAU also hosted the Games in 1975.
WAUG President Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu urged the athletes to compete ambitiously while respecting their opponents and officials, encouraging participants to use the event to build relationships and exchange experiences across West Africa.
Competition continues until October 12
With the opening ceremony completed, attention has now shifted to the sporting contests across OAU's facilities.
For the participating universities, WAUG 2026 offers more than an opportunity to win medals. The Games are also designed to strengthen regional cooperation, friendship and the development of student-athletes across West Africa.
The competition will conclude on October 12 in Ile-Ife.
