Gombe State University Shines at 2nd Prudential Sports Award Night – Mercy Iliya Namarwa Crowned Overall Athlete of the Year

Gombe State University (GSU) excelled at the second edition of the Prudential Sports Award Night held on Saturday, 29 November 2025 at the Matrix International Academy Event Hall.

Under the leadership of Vice‑Chancellor Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, GSU was honoured with two sets of branded green‑and‑white football jerseys and a complete set of sports kits donated by Prudential Sports Limited in partnership with TaJBank Plc.

The highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Mercy Iliya Namarwa, a 400‑level Pharmacy student and accomplished chess player, who was named Overall Athlete of the Year for Gombe State. Mercy — a multiple‑medal winner in national chess competitions — also captured gold at the 2024 National Universities Games (NUGA) hosted by the University of Jos, where she represented GSU with distinction, earning commendation from a panel of senior sports experts.

The event attracted distinguished guests including National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, Nigeria Chess Federation President Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former National Sports Commission Director‑General Dr. Alhaji Sale Yakmut, Olympian Ambassador Mary Onyali and GSU Sports Coordinator Mallam Usman Isa Ya’u.

In his remarks, Professor Yauta expressed pride in Mercy’s achievements and pledged that the donated sports kits would be utilised to further boost sporting activities at GSU. He thanked Prudential Sports for their support of youth and sports development and called for continued collaboration to nurture young talent.