Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is set to host a major national sporting event after receiving the provisional nod to stage the 2028 Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games.
Provisional Hosting Rights Awarded
The university, over the weekend, was granted the provisional hosting rights for the 29th edition of the NUGA Games scheduled for 2028. This decision was formally communicated in a letter from the acting Secretary-General of NUGA, Yunusa Bazza, dated December 3, 2025.
The letter, addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, stated that the final hosting right is contingent upon the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the parties. It also indicated that the NUGA Council would announce the specific dates for the games in due course.
Green Light for Preparations and Partnerships
According to the communication from the NUGA acting Secretary-General, the provisional award empowers ABU to immediately begin engaging with both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The goal is to build strategic partnerships that will ensure the success of the games.
Furthermore, the university has been given the "green light to commence improvements" on its facilities. This directive covers both sports-related infrastructure and other ancillary facilities in preparation for the large-scale event.
A Boost for Sports and National Development
Expressing his delight at the development, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adamu Ahmed described the hosting right as a significant opportunity. He framed it as a chance to build Nigeria's economy around the sports value chain.
In a statement released on Friday by the University's Director of Public Affairs, Mallam Awwalu Umar, the VC explained that hosting the NUGA Games aligns with the national policy for developing the next generation of Nigerian athletes through the university system.
Professor Ahmed expressed particular joy as this marks ABU's return to hosting the prestigious games since it last held the event in 2001. He noted that this development is timely, coming when ABU has been designated as one of the sports centres of excellence in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the NUGA Council for reposing confidence in the institution by offering another hosting opportunity. He gave a firm assurance that Ahmadu Bello University would justify this confidence by doing everything necessary to organise a successful and exciting games in 2028.
