Ahmadu Bello University Awarded Hosting Rights for 2028 NUGA Games
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has been awarded provisional hosting rights for the 29th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games, scheduled to take place in 2028.
The announcement was conveyed in a letter dated December 3, 2025, from Acting NUGA Secretary-General Yunusa Bazza to ABU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed.
The letter confirmed that the hosting rights are contingent on the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and that the Council will announce specific dates for the event in due course.
The decision empowers ABU to begin upgrading its facilities and to engage with government and private organisations to ensure the success of the Games.
Professor Ahmed expressed delight at the development, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s sports value chain and nurture the next generation of athletes.
‘This is a chance to build Nigeria’s economy around sports. The Games will not only be for students to enjoy but also for the nation,’ he said.
ABU last hosted the NUGA Games in 2001, and the Vice-Chancellor noted that the return of the event aligns with the university’s designation as a sports centre of excellence.
He assured that ABU would justify the confidence reposed in it by organising a successful tournament.
Highlighting ABU’s rich sporting tradition, Ahmed pointed out that the institution has produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes, coaches, and administrators.
He emphasised that sports are now a multi-billion-dollar global industry and a tool for youth development, unity, and resilience.
The Vice-Chancellor pledged close collaboration with NUGA before, during, and after the Games, stressing that ABU is proud of its facilities, history, and human resources, and is ready to deliver a memorable event in 2028.
