Ahmadu Bello Varsity Gets Hosting Rights For 29th NUGA Games

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has received provisional hosting rights for the 29th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games scheduled for 2028.

The Nigerian University Games Association is a biennial event that brings together student-athletes from universities across the country.

The award of the hosting rights was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of ABU by the Acting Secretary-General of NUGA, Yunusa Bazza.

The letter, dated 3 December 2025, was issued on the directive of the NUGA Council.

It stated that the hosting rights were contingent upon the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

The letter also indicated that the NUGA Council would announce the specific dates for the sporting events in due course.

With the award, ABU is empowered to engage with both governmental and non-governmental organisations to build partnerships that would ensure the success of the games in 2028.

According to the Acting Secretary-General, the letter also granted the university the green light to commence improvements on its facilities, both sports-related and otherwise, in preparation for the event.

Receiving the letter, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, expressed excitement over the development.

Ahmed explained that hosting the NUGA Games aligns with national policy on developing the next generation of athletes in Nigeria through the university system.

He expressed joy at the opportunity to host the games again, noting that the last time ABU hosted the event was in 2001.

The Vice-Chancellor said the development also presents an added opportunity to build Nigeria’s economy around the sports value chain.

He stressed that the university views the opportunity with a clear understanding of what the Nigerian government expects from the sports industry.

According to him, the games would not only be for students to enjoy but would also benefit the nation despite prevailing challenges.

He noted that the award comes at a time when the university has been designated as one of Nigeria’s sports centres of excellence.

Prof. Ahmed commended the NUGA Council for giving the university another opportunity to host the games and assured that ABU would justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring a successful event.

He stated that the university has a long and proud sporting tradition, having produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes, coaches and sports administrators.

According to him, ABU has always believed in the power of sports as a unifying force, a tool for youth development and a vehicle for building character and resilience.

The Vice-Chancellor, who took pride in the institution’s sporting facilities, history and human resources, noted that sports is no longer merely leisure but a multi-billion-dollar global industry.

Prof. Ahmed said the university looks forward to hosting the games and pledged to maintain a strong working relationship with NUGA before, during and after the event.