UNN Student Wins 2025 GOUNI Marathon, Goes Home With ₦500,000: Many students in Nigeria dream of becoming champions, but very few get the chance to make it happen. That chance came for a 20-year-old Industrial Chemistry student from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), who recently proved that hard work is not only for the classroom. He emerged winner of the 2025 Godfrey Okoye University Marathon (GOUNI Marathon) and smiled home with a star prize of ₦500,000 after completing the tough 21-kilometre race.
Just imagine running from Thinkers’ Corner down to Ugwuomu under the sun, with hundreds of people cheering—this is exactly what happened. Some of us complain after trekking from UNN Access Bank to Girls Hostel, yet this young man endured a whole marathon!
Following closely behind him were two other talented runners: Odoh Emmanuel, who earned ₦200,000, and Chukwuebuka Onyia, who took the third position and received ₦100,000. These young men showed that talent lives in many Nigerian campuses if given a platform.
Queens Secondary School Takes Over the Female Category
When it comes to secondary school sports in Enugu State, Queens Secondary School, Nsukka, keeps showing up. Just like they shine during inter-house sports events, the girls came with full energy at the marathon and shocked everyone. Eight students from the school won prizes, with one of them—12-year-old Precious Ugwu (JSS 2)—completing the race!
Think of someone in JSS 2 trekking past university students and adults in a competition. That is more than talent; it is determination. The Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, was visibly impressed. He awarded ₦200,000 to Precious and gave ₦400,000 to the school’s Games Master for grooming such outstanding young athletes.
Government Officials Applaud the Effort
Nigeria needs more sporting talent, and top government officials at the event did not hesitate to encourage it. The Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, praised the Vice Chancellor for supporting young people through sports. He emphasized that an active and exciting lifestyle is important, especially for students who spend long hours reading or using screens.
He also promised support for the winners to take part in national competitions. That means these runners may soon represent Enugu State or even Nigeria. Imagine someone you saw running on campus becoming a national champion someday!
In addition, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Hon. Beloved Dan Anike, donated ₦1 million to 20 winners, encouraging more young athletes to believe in themselves. According to him, the marathon is more than a race—it is a platform for discovering and building sports talent.
Why This Matters to Students
Events like the GOUNI Marathon show that student life should not be limited to books alone. Many university and secondary school students have hidden talent in running, football, music, writing, or even comedy. All they need is exposure. Just like the winner of this marathon, your talent might be the key to changing your life.
So if you are a secondary school student preparing to gain admission or a current university student, let this be a reminder: your talent is as important as your certificate.
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Source: Campus Informant, Blueprint, & Godfrey Okoye University
When will be the next one be conducted?
Will unec students be included?