Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, has been awarded provisional hosting rights for the 29th Nigerian University Games (NUGA) in 2028, marking the return of the prestigious biennial event to the institution after more than two decades.
The NUGA Games bring together student-athletes from universities nationwide to compete in multiple sporting events, promoting talent discovery and youth development.
The Acting Secretary-General of NUGA, Yunusa M. Bazza, conveyed the provisional hosting rights in a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, following approval by the association’s council. The letter, dated December 3, 2025, stated that the award is contingent on signing a Memorandum of Agreement between the university and NUGA. Specific dates for the games will be announced by the council in due course.
The letter also empowered ABU to engage relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations to build partnerships and commence upgrades of its sports and related facilities to ensure a successful hosting.
Receiving the letter, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed expressed excitement over the development, describing it as a major boost to the university’s sporting profile. He noted that hosting the games aligns with the national policy of nurturing the next generation of athletes through universities.
“This opportunity fits squarely into Nigeria’s broader agenda of developing athletes from the grassroots,” Ahmed said.
ABU last hosted the NUGA Games in 2001, and the Vice-Chancellor expressed joy that the university would once again welcome student-athletes from across the country. He highlighted that the games would also contribute to national economic growth through the sports value chain.
“It is an added opportunity to build Nigeria’s economy around sports,” Ahmed stated, adding that the university understands what the Federal Government expects from the sports sector in terms of development and economic impact.
He further emphasized that the NUGA Games would go beyond student recreation, serving as a unifying platform for the nation despite social and economic challenges. Ahmed also described the timing of the award as significant, noting that ABU had recently been designated one of Nigeria’s sports centres of excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the NUGA Council for the confidence reposed in ABU and pledged that the university would organise a successful and memorable competition. He also highlighted the university’s proud sporting tradition, having produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes, coaches, and sports administrators over the years.
“We believe in the power of sports as a unifying force and a tool for youth development,” he said, adding that sports has evolved beyond leisure into a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Ahmed assured that ABU would maintain a strong working relationship with NUGA before, during, and after the games to ensure their success.
Elijah Adeyemi
