Ogazi Makes History as Fourth Nigerian Bowerman Finalist

Samuel Ogazi has now joined just three other Nigerians in history who have made it to the finals of the Bowerman Award, following the University of Alabama runner being selected as one of the top three contenders for college track and field's highest individual honor, announced by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Tuesday.

A sprinter from Kaduna has been selected following what many consider one of the finest 400-meter college seasons in history. The 21-year-old made headlines by breaking NCAA records and establishing himself as one of the most promising talents in international athletics.

Ogazi claimed both the NCAA Division I indoor and outdoor 400-meter championships this year, then delivered the standout moment of his college athletic journey at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, where he ran an impressive 43.38 seconds, breaking Michael Norman's longstanding collegiate mark of 43.61 seconds established in 2018.

His performance earned him the title of the quickest 400m runner in NCAA history and represented the fourth instance where he broke the Nigerian record within 2026, following previous times of 44.02, 43.95, and 43.82 seconds. Additionally, he was the first college athlete to achieve more than one sub-44-second run in this event.

Previously during the indoor season, Ogazi won the NCAA indoor championship with a time of 44.57 seconds, matching the officially recognized indoor world record and sharing third place on the all-time indoor world rankings. His outstanding performance has also earned him the distinction of being the first male athlete from Alabama to advance to the Bowerman finals.

He has now joined Blessing Okagbare, who made it to the final in 2010, Divine Oduduru from 2019, and Ezekiel Nathaniel, who was a contender last year, as one of the few Nigerians to have appeared at the closing phase of the awards.

Ogazi will encounter strong opposition from New Mexico’s long-distance athlete Habtom Samuel and Auburn’s hurdle specialist Ja’Kobe Tharp, as the victor will be revealed at the USTFCCCA Convention in Grapevine, Texas, on December 17.

Samuel concluded his undefeated college career by securing victory in all 13 competitions against NCAA competitors, capturing both the 5,000 meters and 10,000-meter championships at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, and setting a new collegiate best for the 5,000 meters with a time of 12 minutes 57.22 seconds.

Meanwhile, Tharp delivered one of the most remarkable hurdle performances ever seen in the sport, shattering Aries Merritt's world record in the 110-meter hurdles with an impressive 12.75 seconds during the NCAA Outdoor Championships semifinals, then coming back to claim the national championship with a time of 12.90 seconds. Earlier in the season, he had also surpassed Grant Holloway's university record in the 60-meter hurdles by clocking 7.32 seconds indoors.

The selection of Ogazi as a finalist occurs during an impressive year for Nigerian athletes within the American college sports scene. Kanyinsola Ajayi from Auburn had an exceptional running season, securing both the NCAA indoor 60-meter and outdoor 100-meter championships. He matched Christian Coleman's university record of 6.45 seconds in the 60 meters indoors, then achieved a legal-with-wind time of 9.84 seconds in the 100 meters—shattering the 20-year-old Nigerian mark previously held by Olusoji Fasuba since 2006—and subsequently clocked a wind-supported 9.72 seconds, which stands as the second-quickest overall result in collegiate history under any conditions.

Chinecherem Nnamdi from Texas A&M created history by claiming the NCAA javelin championship following a seasonal best distance of 84.68 meters, securing a spot in the top four on the overall college record list. In the women's category, Temitope Adeshina from Texas Tech dominated the NCAA indoor and outdoor high jump events throughout an undefeated collegiate campaign, achieving heights of 1.97 meters indoors and 1.96 meters outdoors, although she fell just short of qualifying for the women's Bowerman final trio.

Together, the three Bowerman nominees achieved seven NCAA championships, set four university records, and recorded 13 career top-10 finishes throughout the 2026 indoor and outdoor campaigns, highlighting the exceptional level of competition Ogazi faces in winning the award. The voting process involves the Bowerman Advisory Board, chosen journalists, college officials, past recipients, USTFCCCA participants, and the general public.

Regarding Ogazi, who has recently declared his intention to go pro, this nomination marks yet another achievement in an extraordinary year where he has broken numerous records. He is now just one step closer to being the first Nigerian to claim college track and field's top individual honor.

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Students' Unions Praise Gov. Zulum for Reviving Borno's Education Sector Amidst Adversity

Mohammed Abubakar

A strong demonstration of backing has come from multiple student unions throughout Borno State, who have praised Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum for his continuous attempts to revive the education system, even amidst major challenges brought about by violence in the area.

In conversation with our correspondent, one of the student leaders from Maiduguri conveyed appreciation for the governor's dedication to bringing back hope and prospects for the young people of Borno, who have endured significant difficulties in obtaining good education because of prolonged conflict and instability.

A notable voice, Abba Ali, who was once a well-known student activist, stressed the administration's commitment to establishing an educational system that serves every citizen. "Governor Zulum recognizes the vital part education plays in changing people's lives. His team has consistently worked towards ensuring our right to education remains protected, even amidst challenges," said Ali. He pointed out the substantial efforts made in improving school facilities, professional development for teachers, and various initiatives designed to motivate students to continue their academic pursuits.

In recent years, Governor Zulum has launched multiple initiatives aimed at restoring schools affected or demolished due to hostilities, as well as focusing on boosting student registration across different educational establishments. These actions involve setting up study hubs and hiring more educators to address the rising demands from learners.

Student organizations have observed that these efforts are starting to produce favorable outcomes, marked by a significant rise in class attendance and involvement in academic activities. "It is clear that the Zulum government is dedicated to keeping education at the forefront," stated Fatima Ibrahim, another student representative who contributed her perspective on the state's approach to education.

With the state gradually recovering from previous hardships, the backing provided by students reflects a shared hope for a more promising tomorrow in Borno. Unions have appealed to all involved parties to collaborate with the government in maintaining these educational changes, emphasizing a commitment to academic quality as a route toward harmony and security.

The governor, Zulum, has once again expressed his dedication to the young people of Borno, vowing to keep working towards improving the education system within the state. "Education serves as the foundation for progress," he stated at a recent community gathering, sparking renewed hope among pupils and those who back them.

Through united effort and resolve, Borno State stands at the threshold of an encouraging revival in education, guaranteeing that young people are prepared to make constructive contributions to their community.

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Barau Challenges Nigerian Universities: Turn Research Into Wealth

The Vice President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called on universities and other post-secondary schools across the nation to focus more on research and turning it into marketable products, similar to what is practiced by educational establishments in advanced countries.

Senator Barau issued the statement upon receiving the leadership of the Northwest University, Kano—headed by Vice Chancellor Professor Amina Salihi Bayero—at the National Assembly in Abuja.

According to a declaration from Ismail Mudashir, the Special Advisor for Media and Public Relations, he called upon the leadership of the nation's tertiary educational establishments to expand their income streams via the monetization of academic studies.

Senator Barau, who led the Senate Committee for Higher Education Institutions and TETFUND during the Eighth Senate session, stated, "Don't let inventions remain confined to labs or shelves. Secure patents for them and derive profit from them."

Prominent international organizations such as Harvard, MIT, and Cornell utilize research, partner with businesses, and earn income via technological advancements. I recommend that you implement this approach.

He pointed out that maintaining and advancing higher education is an endeavor that demands collaboration rather than the efforts of one individual.

"Running and advancing a university cannot be guaranteed solely by one organization or individual. It requires the help, involvement, and collaboration of everyone," he stated, noting that even entities created and supported by the federal government often look for outside aid.

Emphasizing the significance of human resources, the Senate Vice President stated that education should continue to be a primary focus.

"Human capital serves as the primary engine for global development. It's not just about natural resources such as oil or precious minerals anymore. The most crucial element of production in any country today is human capital," he stated.

Complimenting the Deputy Chancellor's forward-thinking strategy and the university's swift expansion since its founding in 2012, he revealed the gift of a tour bus to the organization.

Previously, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, who took up her position in December 2025, stated that the visit aimed to examine opportunities for cooperation between the university and the office of the Deputy President of the Senate.

She praised the efforts of the Senate Vice President in advancing the nation's education system via various initiatives such as scholarships and funding, along with the development of essential facilities for tertiary educational establishments.

She mentioned that the university, which began with one faculty, currently consists of ten faculties and serves a student body of thirty thousand.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).