FCC Chair Backs ABU’s 2028 NUGA Bid, Sports Centre Of Excellence

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, has pledged her support for Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as the institution prepares to host the 2028 Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) and develop a National Centre of Excellence in Sports.

Omidiran made the commitment on Thursday when the management of ABU, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the FCC headquarters in Abuja.

The FCC chairman, who is an alumna of the university, in a statement released on Thursday and signed by Ademola Lawrence, spokesperson of the commission, said ABU played a significant role in shaping her leadership career and pledged to continue supporting initiatives focused on education, youth empowerment, national development and sports.

“I remain immensely proud to be an alumna of Ahmadu Bello University. The University shaped my character, broadened my perspective and prepared me for the responsibilities of leadership and national service,” Omidiran said.

She described ABU’s selection to host the 2028 NUGA Games and its designation as one of Nigeria’s National Centres of Excellence in Sports as significant opportunities to discover and nurture young talents while contributing to the development of the country’s sports ecosystem.

Omidiran also accepted an invitation to attend the university’s 64th anniversary celebrations scheduled for 4 October 2026.

Earlier, Professor Ahmed described Omidiran as one of ABU’s most distinguished alumni, praising her contributions to public service and sports administration.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that Omidiran obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from ABU and served as the Student Union Government Secretary of Queen Amina Hall.

He also highlighted her career as a two-term member of the House of Representatives, a pioneering member of FIFA’s Women’s Committee, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Olympic Committee and founder of Omidiran Babes Football Club.

Ahmed said her experience in Nigerian and international sports administration would be valuable to the university as it prepares for the 2028 NUGA Games and develops its sports centre.

“These landmark developments present enormous opportunities for the University to contribute to sports development, talent discovery and youth empowerment,” he said.

He added that the university looked forward to benefiting from Omidiran’s “vast experience, guidance and support” in delivering a successful NUGA Games and establishing a world-class Centre of Excellence that could serve as a national model for sports development.

The ABU delegation included the Registrar, Mallam Rabiu Samaila; Director of Public Affairs, Mallam Awwal Umar D.; Director of Sports, Dr Omeiza; Professor Danladi Amoh; Professor Sani Ibrahim; Deputy Registrar, Mr Ingino Danjuma Voh; Liaison Officer, Mallam Haruna Ajo; and Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Professor Aliyu Salihu.