By Muhammad A. Abubakar The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed, has lauded the Federal Govern...
By Muhammad A. Abubakar
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed, has lauded the Federal Government’s decision to designate six universities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones—including ABU—as Centres of Excellence in Sports, describing the move as both “commendable” and “visionary.”
The announcement was made last week in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, during the inauguration of a 20-member National Sports-Education Review Committee tasked with aligning sports development with Nigeria’s education system.
In addition to ABU, the other institutions designated as Centres of Excellence are the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Benin; University of Ibadan; University of Jos; and Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.
In a statement released by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Prof. Ahmed described the designation as “a great honour” and a “call to higher responsibility” for the university.
“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 over the years,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that beyond academic excellence, ABU has always championed sports as a vital tool for youth development, character building, and national unity.
“Our facilities, our history, and our human capital make ABU a natural choice for this important national role,” he added.
Prof. Ahmed also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its foresight and commended the Education Minister’s broader reform agenda, which he said seeks to reposition universities as centres for innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development.
He noted that the establishment of Sports Centres of Excellence aligns perfectly with ongoing efforts to diversify university education beyond classroom instruction, stressing that sports is no longer just a leisure activity but a global, multi-billion-dollar industry.
“Nigeria has the talent, the energy, and the youthful population to be a global sports powerhouse. What has been missing is a coordinated system that combines research, training, infrastructure, and talent management,” Prof. Ahmed said.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that such centres would serve as platforms for innovation, professional training, and the commercialisation of sports in Nigeria.
He further noted that, if well implemented, the initiative could drive job creation, attract investment, and contribute significantly to economic diversification.
“ABU is ready to justify the confidence reposed in us. We will deliver excellence in sports that reflects the vision of the Federal Government and meets the aspirations of our youth,” Prof. Ahmed concluded.
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