Designating ABU, five other varsities as Sports Centres of Excellence commendable – Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has hailed the Federal Government’s designation of the institution as one of six Centres of Excellence in Sports across Nigeria, describing the recognition as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.

The other universities named alongside ABU include the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Benin; University of Ibadan; University of Jos; and Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.

The announcement was made in Abuja last week by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, during the inauguration of a 20-member National Sports-Education Review Committee.

Reacting to the development, Prof. Ahmed said “This recognition is most deserving. Ahmadu Bello University has a long and proud tradition in sports, having produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes, coaches, and sports administrators. Beyond academics, we have always believed in the power of sports as a unifying force, a tool for youth development, and a platform for building character and resilience.”

He noted that ABU’s extensive facilities, rich sporting history, and wealth of human resources made it a natural choice for the designation.

Commending the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative, Prof. Ahmed assured that ABU would live up to expectations by delivering excellence in sports that would benefit both the institution and the nation.

The Vice-Chancellor further explained that the decision aligns with the broader reform agenda of the Education Minister, who has consistently advocated for expanding the roles of universities beyond classroom instruction to include skills development, innovation, and industry linkages.

Highlighting the economic potential of the sector, Prof. Ahmed stressed that sports is no longer just a leisure activity but a multi-billion-dollar global industry. “Nigeria has the talent, the energy, and the youthful population to become a global sports powerhouse. What has been missing is a coordinated system that integrates research, training, infrastructure, and talent management,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Centres of Excellence like ABU’s would fill that gap by driving innovation, professional training, and the commercialisation of sports. If properly harnessed, he added, the initiative could stimulate job creation, attract investment, and contribute significantly to diversifying Nigeria’s economy.