The President-General Worldwide of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA), HRM Albert Akpomudje, SAN, has assured participants and stakeholders of a hitch-free and memorable 8th edition of the annual GCU Relays as modern athletics equipment arrives ahead of the competition.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, will feature advanced timing technology to enhance the technical delivery of the intercollegiate athletics competition.
Among the equipment to be deployed is a modern electronic starting gun, which will be used alongside the Timetronics photo-finish system owned by the Delta State Sports Commission.
Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd), a World Athletics technical official at the Youth Olympics, explained that the electronic starting gun offers significant advantages over traditional guns that use pellets.
According to Nesiama, the new equipment will not only eliminate the need for pellets but also improve the accuracy of synchronisation with the Timetronics system.
"Besides saving on pellets, the Electronic Starting Gun has a higher accuracy rate in synchronising with the Timetronics, thus ensuring the most efficient timing returns at the finish line," he said.
Beyond the technical preparations, Akpomudje has promised an expanded and more celebratory edition of the competition, featuring the return of the traditional bonfire and increased participation by schools and athletes.
The 2026 edition will be his last as President-General Worldwide, as the association's National Executive Council (NEC) prepares to conclude its second tenure in January 2027.
Akpomudje said the outgoing leadership intended to make the event a memorable celebration while restoring the atmosphere and traditions associated with its early editions.
"As we (NEC) wind up our second tenure in January 2027, this year's GCU Relays would be the last to be executed by our illustrious team," he said.
"Therefore, we intend to make a huge feast and a big deal out of it, not only by ensuring a greater number of participants but by restoring the famous glory of the early editions as prosecuted by my predecessors, Prof. Oritsegbemi Omatete and Arc. Chief Charles Majoroh," he added.
Also arriving ahead of the competition is the meet's ambassador, former Olympian Ruks Bazunu, who has consistently committed his time and resources to the event, travelling between Nigeria and the United States to support its objectives.
The annual GCU Relays is an initiative of GCUOBA Worldwide aimed at promoting sprint events and developing young athletics talent.
The organisers believe Nigeria has a comparative advantage in sprinting over marathon running and are using the competition to encourage greater participation and interest in track events among secondary school students.
With modern equipment, plans to increase participation and the return of the bonfire, organisers are looking forward to a vibrant 8th edition of the GCU Relays on November 14.
