Bala Wunti Begins Construction Of 10,000-Capacity Arena At ATBU

The chief executive officer of the World Energy Council Nigeria, Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti, has initiated the construction of a multimillion-naira indoor sports hall at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

The project, known as the Bala Wunti Arena, is expected to accommodate 10,000 people and be completed within 50 weeks.

The initiative aims to provide the university with a modern, year-round facility for sporting activities, academic and institutional programmes, convocations and other major events.

Speaking virtually at the award and recognition ceremony for the project yesterday, Wunti described the arena as his modest contribution to the university that provided the foundation for his professional career.

He said the initiative was conceived as a practical way of giving back to the education sector while creating an enduring legacy that would benefit generations of students and the wider university community.

Wunti expressed confidence that investments in modern infrastructure would strengthen ATBU and other Nigerian universities and enhance their ability to compete with institutions globally.

He also disclosed that construction materials for the project would be sourced locally, noting that the initiative would stimulate local businesses, support economic activities and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

Wunti commended the management of ATBU, the assessment panel and students who participated in the design competition.

He described the initiative as a “Project for ATBU by ATBU,” stressing that students should not only benefit from university development but also have opportunities to contribute their ideas, skills and creativity towards shaping their institutions.

Also, the vice-chancellor of ATBU, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan, commended Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti for his philanthropic support to the university.

Hassan described the initiative as a significant contribution to the institution and expressed appreciation for the investment in infrastructure, creativity and student development.

For his part, the chief executive officer of the Bala Wunti Support Organisation (BWSO), Malam Mukhtar Ahmed Jarmajo, commended Wunti for funding the project, describing it as another demonstration of his commitment to impactful development.

Jarmajo expressed confidence that, given Wunti’s track record, the Bala Wunti Arena would be delivered within the stipulated 50-week timeline.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the programme manager of Wunti Alkhair Foundation, Mustapha Ango, announced the winners of the design competition.

He said W-Nexus emerged as the winner and received a N5 million cash prize, while Spartial Mind, the first runner-up, received N4 million.

According to him, Spartial Nexus, the second runner-up, received N3 million, while the other participating groups were awarded N1 million each.

Ango added that the assessment panel received N3 million in recognition of its role in evaluating the students’ submissions.