University sports key to curriculum, say VCs as national games kick off
University sports are a critical component of academic training and a platform for promoting diversity, vice chancellors have said as the 2025 National University Games officially got underway.
University of Eldoret Vice Chancellor Prof Thomas Cheruiyot and his Meru University of Science and Technology counterpart Prof Romanus Odhiambo said sports play a vital role in shaping well-rounded graduates by complementing classroom learning with talent development, discipline and teamwork.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Prof Odhiambo said supporting sports should not be treated as optional, noting that universities must go beyond internal funding to ensure sustainable growth of sporting programmes.
“Supporting sports is not optional. While universities continue to fund sports, there is a need to establish strong partnerships with the government, corporate organisations and alumni,” he said, adding that such collaborations would help improve facilities, coaching and athlete welfare.
The vice chancellors noted that university sports provide a unifying platform that brings together students from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, fostering cohesion and national integration. They added that the games also serve as an important talent identification avenue for national teams and professional clubs.
Prof Odhiambo further said universities are ready to admit learners under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system from 2029, with sports identified as one of the recognised learning pathways under the new curriculum. He said institutions of higher learning are already aligning their programmes and infrastructure to accommodate the transition.
The national university games have attracted at least 2,500 student-athletes drawn from more than 20 universities across the country, competing in over 20 disciplines. The week-long event is expected to showcase emerging talent while strengthening inter-university ties.
Hosts University of Eldoret expressed optimism that the games would leave a lasting legacy by inspiring students to balance academic excellence with sporting achievement, reinforcing the role of universities as centres of holistic education.
