Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, has won provisional hosting rights for the 29th Nigerian University Games (NUGA) in 2028. This marks the return of the biennial event to ABU after over two decades.
The NUGA Games gather student-athletes nationwide to compete in multiple sports, fostering talent discovery and youth development. According to a letter from NUGA’s Acting Secretary-General, Yunusa M. Bazza, the award follows council approval.
Dated December 3, 2025, the letter highlighted the need to sign a Memorandum of Agreement between ABU and NUGA. It also authorised ABU to engage government agencies and NGOs to strengthen partnerships and upgrade sports facilities.
Receiving the letter, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed expressed excitement, describing the achievement as a major boost to ABU’s sporting reputation. He emphasized that hosting the games aligns with Nigeria’s national policy of nurturing grassroots athletes.
Prof. Ahmed recalled that ABU last hosted NUGA in 2001 and welcomed the return of student-athletes nationwide. He added that the games could enhance economic growth by developing Nigeria’s sports value chain.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that ABU aims to deliver a unifying platform for students despite social and economic challenges. As a designated sports centre of excellence, ABU remains committed to supporting NUGA before, during, and after the games.
Prof. Ahmed concluded that ABU’s proud sporting legacy, combined with strategic partnerships, will ensure a successful and impactful 2028 NUGA Games.
