The maiden edition of the Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta (ASTEF 2025) concluded weekend, with a colourful and uplifting closing ceremony, marking a triumphant end to 4 days of intense competition and camaraderie among the state’s higher institutions.
At the event held at the Umuahia Township stadium, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), which dominated the medal table with an impressive haul of 87 medals, emerged as the overall champion.
The ceremony saw the presentation of medals for the fiercely contested swimming and football events, bringing to a close 22 major sporting activities, including athletics, kickboxing, chess, wrestling, judo and racket games.
MOUAU secured the coveted top spot, in a competition that featured 16 institutions, followed closely by Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), and the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba in the top three positions, showcasing the immense sporting talents across Abia State.
Delivering the address on behalf of the Governor, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, praised the participating schools for their discipline and sportsmanship. He stressed that the true victory of the games extended beyond the medal count.
Pastor Ajagba stated. “While we celebrate our medal winners, remember that this event is not merely about gold, silver, or bronze. It is about forging unbreakable bonds of unity, understanding, and shared purpose among the future leaders of our state. The greatest trophy won from this fiesta is the unity we have built”.
He said the collective voice of the students were represented by the Student Union Governments (SUGs) of the participating schools and expressed gratitude to the Governor and his team for initiating the fiesta.
Pastor Ajagba further highlighted the event’s success in bridging the gap between tertiary students and prayed for its continuity.
Also, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Institution, commended the seamless organization and the high standards of performance displayed by the student-athletes.
The 1st Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta successfully concluded, while setting a high bar for future competitions and solidifying its place as a significant platform for youth development and inter-institutional harmony in the state.
The closing ceremony was witnessed by an array of dignitaries and student representatives, all echoing the central theme of unity.
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, took the day with 51 gold, 30 silver and 6 bronze medals, while Gregory University, Uturu (GUU) took second with 45 gold, 11 Silver and 8 bronze medals and leading from behind was the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic with 31 gold, 16 Silver, and 24 Bronze.
