Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has been granted provisional hosting rights for the 29th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), scheduled to hold in 2028.
The award was conveyed in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, and signed by the Acting Secretary-General of NUGA, Yunusa M. Bazza, on behalf of the Association’s Council.
According to the letter, the hosting rights are subject to the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), while the Council will announce the specific dates for the biennial sporting event in due course.
With the award, the university is empowered to engage government and non-governmental organisations to forge partnerships aimed at ensuring the successful hosting of the games.
The letter also granted ABU approval to commence upgrades of its sports and other supporting facilities in preparation for the 2028 event.
Receiving the letter, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ahmed, expressed delight over the development, describing it as a major opportunity to deepen sports development and stimulate economic activities through the sports value chain.
He said the hosting rights aligned with national policy objectives on nurturing the next generation of athletes through the university system, adding that the games would go beyond student recreation to deliver wider benefits to the country.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that ABU last hosted the NUGA games in 2001 and expressed satisfaction that the university had once again been entrusted with the responsibility.
He explained that the institution viewed sports not merely as leisure but as a multi-billion-dollar global industry capable of driving economic growth, job creation and national cohesion.
Prof. Ahmed also observed that the award came at a time when ABU had been designated as one of Nigeria’s sports centres of excellence, further reinforcing its capacity to host a successful tournament.
He commended the NUGA Council for the confidence reposed in the university and assured that ABU would take all necessary steps to deliver a well-organised and memorable games.
Highlighting the university’s long-standing contribution to Nigerian sports, Prof. Ahmed said ABU had produced many outstanding athletes, coaches and sports administrators over the years, stressing that the institution remained committed to sports as a tool for unity, youth development and character building.
He pledged that the university would maintain a strong and productive working relationship with NUGA before, during and after the 2028 games to ensure their overall success.
