Bauchi Kicks Off 2026 Basic Education School Games With Over 20 States Competing

The 2026 Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Games have officially begun in Bauchi State, drawing pupils from more than 20 states across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Yesterday, the Chief Host and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, inaugurated the second edition of the Games. He highlighted the event’s crucial role in discovering and nurturing young talent for future national and international competitions.

The Governor, represented by Dr Lawal Mohammed Rimin Zayam, the State Commissioner of Education, stated that Bauchi State’s selection as host underscored the government’s ongoing investment in education, particularly at the primary level.

Governor Bala urged officials and participating pupils to uphold the principles of sportsmanship, fairness, discipline, and excellence, emphasising that merit and hard work should be appropriately rewarded.

Earlier, Hajiya Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), announced a review and increase in the allocation for sports development from one percent to two percent of its annual matching grants.

Represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Jarma, the Northeast Zonal Director, she explained that the BESS Games were conceived not merely as a sporting contest but as a strategic platform to identify, cultivate, and develop young talent nationwide. She also commended the Bauchi State Government for being the inaugural host.

Speaking concurrently, Babayo Gabarin, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, reiterated that educational institutions form the bedrock of sustainable development. He expressed confidence that participants would demonstrate sportsmanship, mutual understanding, teamwork, and lasting friendships.

In separate messages of goodwill, Mr Ipede Joseph, President of the National SUBEB Sports Officers Forum (NASSOF), and Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, Permanent Member II of Bauchi SUBEB, lauded UBEC and other primary education stakeholders for fostering grassroots sports development across the country. They encouraged athletes to compete with discipline, fairness, and excellence, while building strong character and skills.

Participating states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

The Games commenced with a football match, which saw host Bauchi State and Abia State draw one-all.