Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, has been provisionally awarded the hosting rights for the 29th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games, scheduled for 2028, marking the return of the biennial event to the institution after more than 20 years.
The NUGA Games bring together student-athletes from universities nationwide to compete in multiple sports, fostering talent discovery and youth development.
The provisional hosting approval was communicated in a letter from NUGA’s Acting Secretary-General, Yunusa M. Bazza, to ABU’s Vice-Chancellor, following the council’s endorsement. Dated December 3, 2025, the letter, seen by our correspondent, noted that the award is subject to signing a Memorandum of Agreement between the university and NUGA, with official dates to be announced later.
The university has also been authorised to collaborate with government agencies and NGOs to build partnerships and upgrade sports facilities ahead of the games.
Receiving the letter, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adamu Ahmed described the announcement as a major boost to ABU’s sporting profile, aligning with national policies for developing the next generation of athletes through universities.
“This opportunity fits perfectly into Nigeria’s broader agenda of nurturing grassroots athletes,” Ahmed said.
ABU last hosted the NUGA Games in 2001, and the Vice-Chancellor expressed delight at welcoming student-athletes from across the country once again. He highlighted that hosting the games also offers an avenue to contribute to national economic growth through the sports value chain.
Ahmed emphasised that the games would go beyond recreation, serving as a unifying platform for the nation despite social and economic challenges. He noted the timing was significant, as ABU had recently been designated one of Nigeria’s sports centres of excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the NUGA Council for its confidence in ABU and assured that the university would deliver a successful event. He highlighted ABU’s long-standing sporting tradition, having produced top athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, and reiterated the role of sports as a unifying and youth-development tool.
Ahmed concluded by pledging a strong partnership with NUGA before, during, and after the games to ensure their success.