ABA Launches Referees Clinic to Develop Nigeria’s Next Generation Of Basketball Officials

The Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) on Thursday commenced a three-day referees and technical officials’ clinic in Abuja, aimed at developing a new generation of basketball officials capable of meeting international standards.

The programme, tagged “Dream Alive”, is taking place at the basketball court of the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja, and has attracted about 25 participants aged between 17 and 25 from basketball academies across the Federal Capital Territory and Kano State.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ABA President and founder, Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Aliyu Abubakar, urged participants to view the clinic as an opportunity to build rewarding careers in basketball officiating.

He stressed that while players often dominate the headlines, the success of every basketball competition depends on the competence and professionalism of referees and technical officials.

“Every successful basketball competition depends on competent referees and technical officials who ensure fairness, professionalism, discipline and adherence to the rules of the game,” Abubakar said.

He explained that the academy’s vision extends beyond producing talented players to developing every aspect of the basketball ecosystem, including referees, coaches, table officials, statisticians, commissioners and administrators.

According to him, a comprehensive basketball development programme must empower all stakeholders involved in the sport.

Abubakar described the “Dream Alive” initiative as a platform designed to inspire young Nigerians with a passion for basketball who may wish to pursue careers outside playing.

“The initiative is more than just a training programme. It is a movement that opens pathways to careers in sports officiating, technical administration and sports management,” he said.

He congratulated the participants on their selection, describing it as recognition of their passion and commitment to serving the game. He encouraged them to approach every lecture, practical session and assessment with dedication and an open mind.

Also addressing the participants, FIBA Referees Instructor Nuhu Samuel said the clinic would be intensive, combining classroom lectures with practical sessions to equip trainees with the technical knowledge required for modern basketball officiating.

Samuel noted that participants would be exposed to contemporary interpretations of basketball rules and officiating mechanics to prepare them for the demands of the modern game.

The clinic forms part of ABA’s broader efforts to strengthen grassroots basketball development by producing qualified officials capable of supporting the growth of the sport in Nigeria.

Board members present at the opening ceremony included Coach Adeka Daudu, Coach Emmanuel Odah, Coach Alex Ujoh, Coach Oyekan Oyedeji, Kayode Adeniyi and the board secretary, Genevieve Ogechi Ihenewengwa.