NEDC Lights Up UNIMAID Basketball Court With Solar Street Lights

Evening basketball training at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has received a major infrastructural boost following the donation and installation of 11 high-capacity solar street lights at the campus basketball court by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

The facilities were formally handed over on Wednesday, 16th September, 2026, by the Secretary of the NEDC, Bejemin Wesley. An alumnus of the institution, Wesley facilitated the solar lighting project as a personal contribution to upgrade his alma mater's sporting facilities and support student athletic development.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, the Director of Legal Affairs, Asmau Abba Jatau, Esq., commended the NEDC Secretary for the timely and impactful intervention. Also present at the handover ceremony were the Director of Sports, Prof. Zakariya M. Nayawo; Deputy Director of Sports, Amos Chiroma; and the University Basketball Coach, Dr. Yakubu Usman.

Prior to the intervention, the university's basketball team relied heavily on natural daylight for practice, forcing evening training sessions to end at dusk. The newly installed solar lighting system eliminates this challenge, enabling players to continue drills, tactical sessions and recreational games well after sunset.

Beyond illuminating the court, the intervention provides student-athletes with flexibility to balance academic schedules with sporting commitments.