The 2025 Zone C University Games officially began on July 2 at the University of Buea, bringing together more than 1,300 athletes from ten institutions across the South West and Littoral regions. The event was launched in a colorful ceremony presided over by the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, alongside the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof Narcisse Mouelle Kombi.
The 2025 edition of the Zone C University Games officially kicked off on Wednesday, July 2, at the University of Buea in a vibrant and colorful opening ceremony that brought together athletes, officials, and dignitaries from across the South West and Littoral Regions. Presiding over the launch was the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, who, alongside his counterpart from the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, Prof Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, called on athletes to uphold the highest standards of integrity and fair play throughout the competition. “Sports represent a scale of values, a scale founded first and foremost on peace,” declared Prof Fame Ndongo in his keynote address. “Without peace, there can be no progress.
Next come unity and discipline… We do not compete simply to win, we compete to uphold and celebrate the values of fraternity, unity, and peace.” With more than 1,300 athletes from 10 universities participating in 13 disciplines, including football, judo, athletics, and three Paralympic sports, this year’s competition is among the most intense yet. Represented institutions include UB, UDLA, IUG, St Jerome, LINAF, IUC, CUIB (returning after a break), and newcomers BIAKA, HIBMAT, and RHIMS. According to Professor Roger Tsafack Nanfasso, President of FENASU (National Executive Bureau of University Sports), Zone C is the most competitive route to national qualification.
Over 560 matches are scheduled within the short five-day span of the event, underscoring the volume and high stakes of the championship. In a rousing welcome speech, the Mayor of Buea, Barrister David Mafany Namange, called on the athletes to become ambassadors of peace and national unity, especially in a region that has faced its share of challenges. “Let the Olympic spirit guide you — one of fair play, brotherhood, and determination,” he urged.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Prof Ngomo Horace Manga, emphasized the university’s commitment to using sports as a tool to build resilience, foster social cohesion, and develop the youth. The opening ceremony was marked by a colorful Olympic march featuring all ten delegations, cultural performances from the Sawa and Manyu communities, and patriotic songs affirming Cameroon’s indivisibility. The energy was palpable as the games officially kicked off with a thrilling football match that saw hosts UB narrowly defeat IUC of Douala 3-2 in a tightly contested encounter. Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), one of the debutants, has already made headlines with its enthusiastic fan base and committed team.
Backed by a vibrant support club, BUIB’s athletes are determined to make a lasting impression across several events. Sponsored by MTN Cameroon, the games are scheduled to run until July 6, when winners in each discipline will earn qualification spots for the 2026 National University Games in Ebolowa.
