The Abia State Council of Alumni of Tertiary Institutions and Colleges (ASCATIC) has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Tertiary Education to enhance participation of tertiary institutions in the state’s annual Sports Fiesta.
The council also called on tertiary institutions and students across the state to participate in the 2026 edition of the Abia State Sports Fiesta scheduled to hold from November 3 to 6 at the Umuahia Stadium.
ASCATIC, through its chairman, assured the ministry of its readiness to support sensitisation and mobilisation efforts to encourage more institutions to participate actively in the sporting event.
The council also expressed its willingness to secure representation on the Sports Fiesta’s organising committee annually to strengthen coordination, improve planning and promote wider participation.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving the organisation of the Sports Fiesta annually for the benefit of students and other stakeholders in the tertiary education sector.
He emphasised the need for continuous improvement in subsequent editions to ensure that the event provides greater opportunities for students to discover and develop their sporting abilities.
The 2026 edition, which will run for four days, is expected to bring together students from tertiary institutions across Abia State to showcase their athletic talents, engage in healthy competition and promote unity through sports.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, at the Umuahia Stadium.
The partnership between ASCATIC and the ministry is expected to strengthen awareness of the event and encourage institutions to take advantage of the platform.
Beyond physical fitness, the Sports Fiesta is expected to promote discipline, teamwork, leadership development and confidence among students, while providing an avenue for identifying emerging sporting talents.
The event is being organised under the administration of Governor Alex Otti as part of efforts to promote youth development and expand opportunities for students across the state.
