By MUSTAPHA YAURI

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria has received provisional right to host the 29th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) in 2028.

This is contained in a statement by Malam Auwalu Umar, Director of Public Affairs of the University on Friday in Zaria, Kaduna state.

Umar said that this was conveyed in a letter dated Dec. 3, 2025, from the Acting Secretary-General of NUGA, Yunusa Bazza, on behalf of the NUGA Council.

He said that the approval was subject to the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) before specific dates of the games would be announced.

“With the hosting rights, ABU is now empowered to engage Federal and state governments, as well as private sector partners, to mobilise resources and investments required for the successful organisation of the games.

“The NUGA Council has also granted the university approval to commence upgrades of its sports and ancillary facilities ahead of the event,” he said.

Speaking while receiving the letter, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, described the development as a major milestone that aligned with national policy on grooming future athletes through the university system.

Ahmed said that hosting the games for the first time since 2001 would further consolidate ABU’s status as one of Nigeria’s designated sports centres of excellence.

Ahmed said the games would serve as a catalyst for infrastructural development within the university, particularly sports facilities, accommodation, transportation and general campus upgrades.

According to him, the facility upgrades would attract long-term benefits for students, staff and the host community.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that beyond the campus, the games would stimulate the local economy of Zaria through increased commercial activities, hospitality services, transportation, small businesses and job creation.

He described sports as a viable driver of economic growth, noting that it had evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global industry.

According to him, the 2028 NUGA Games will not only provide a platform for students to showcase their talents but will also unite the nation through sport events at a time of prevailing challenges.

He stressed that ABU’s rich history of producing outstanding athletes, coaches and sports administrators, positioned it well to host a successful and memorable event.

Ahmed commended the NUGA Council for the confidence reposed in the University and assured that ABU would work closely with the association and all stakeholders to deliver a well-organised event.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that University of Jos hosted the 27th edition of the Games on Nov. 6 to Nov. 16, 2025.

The games featured more than 18 sports, including Athletics, Football, Basketball, Boxing, Para-athletics, Chess, Esports, Taekwondo among others. (NAN)