Former NBA Champion Masai Ujiri Visits ABU, Pledges Support for Sports Development

Masai Ujiri, former NBA executive and 2019 NBA champion, has visited Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, pledging support for sports development. Ujiri, who owns the Zaria Court sports complex in Kigali, Rwanda, intends to help ABU upgrade its facilities to standard.

During his visit, Ujiri met with ABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, a former basketball teammate. Ujiri expressed his desire to contribute to the university's growth, particularly in sports infrastructure. He proposed building a sports complex in ABU similar to the Zaria Court in Kigali.

Prof. Ahmed welcomed Ujiri's initiative, noting that ABU was recently designated as one of Nigeria's eight sports centres of excellence. The Vice-Chancellor believes Ujiri's support will complement government efforts to develop sports in Nigeria, bridging gaps in innovation, training, and commercialization.

Ujiri, raised in Nigeria, recalled his time at ABU's Staff School and Demonstration Secondary School, expressing nostalgia and a desire to give back. His visit marks a significant opportunity for ABU to enhance its sports facilities and programs.