Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has been awarded the provisional hosting rights for the 29th edition of the Nigerian University Games (NUGA), scheduled for 2028. This marks a historic return of the biennial sporting event to the institution, which last hosted the games in 2001.
The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) conveyed the decision in a letter dated December 3, 2025, signed by the Acting Secretary-General, Yunusa M. Bazza. The award followed a rigorous approval process by the association’s council.
The provisional rights empower ABU to begin immediate upgrades of its sporting facilities and related infrastructure to meet international standards. The University is also authorised to forge partnerships with government agencies and non-governmental organisations to ensure a successful event.
The Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, expressed profound excitement over the development. He noted that the hosting rights are significant as they coincide with ABU’s recent designation as one of Nigeria’s sports centres of excellence.
“This opportunity fits squarely into Nigeria’s broader agenda of nurturing athletes from the grassroots,” Prof. Ahmed stated. He emphasised that the university is committed to justifying the confidence reposed in it by the NUGA Council.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that the 2028 games would go beyond student recreation, serving as a platform to boost the national economy through the “sports value chain.”
“It is an added opportunity to build Nigeria’s economy around the sports value chain,” Ahmed stated, adding that sports have evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global industry. He further described the games as a vital unifying force for the nation, capable of bridging social divides during challenging times.
ABU Zaria has a long-standing tradition of excellence in sports, having produced numerous national athletes, coaches, and administrators. The institution plans to maintain a close working relationship with NUGA to ensure that the 29th edition sets a new benchmark for the competition.
