Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has emerged overall champion of the 2026 Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta (ASTESF), successfully defending its title at the second edition of the competition, which ended on Friday, November 6, at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
MOUAU finished at the top of the final medal standings with an impressive 111 medals, comprising 47 gold, 43 silver and 31 bronze, surpassing its 87 medal achievement at the inaugural edition in 2025.
Ogbannaya Onu Polytechnic secured second position with 98 medals, including 47 gold, 31 silver and 20 bronze, while Abia State University, Uturu, finished third with 88 medals, comprising 38 gold, 29 silver and 21 bronze.
Gregory University and Clifford University completed the top five, finishing fourth and fifth respectively, with 69 and 72 medals.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, who represented Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
Addressing participants at the ceremony, Uwanna commended the organisers and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful hosting of the competition. He also acknowledged the importance of providing students from participating institutions with opportunities to demonstrate their sporting abilities, compete for honours and develop their talents.
He subsequently declared the second edition of the sports fiesta closed.
The final day of the competition also featured exhibition matches in Teqball, offering participants and spectators an opportunity to experience the emerging sport and adding excitement to the closing activities.
A total of 18 tertiary institutions participated in this year’s competition across various sporting events.
The successful conclusion of the fiesta highlights Abia State’s continued efforts to promote grassroots and institutional sports development while creating opportunities for young athletes to discover and develop their sporting potential.
With MOUAU retaining its championship title and participating institutions showcasing their talents, the Abia State Tertiary Education Sports Fiesta continues to provide an important platform for nurturing emerging sporting talents and strengthening the state’s sporting culture.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
