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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has supported the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s sports sector under the leadership of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, describing its reforms as a plan to build a sustainable sports economy and strengthen the development of university sports.
The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, who led a high-level delegation to the National Sports Commission over the weekend.
Professor Ahmed described Dikko, an ABU alumnus, as a visionary sports administrator whose leadership has repositioned Nigerian sports beyond competition into a viable economic sector capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and driving national development.
He noted that Dikko’s appointment as NSC president has become a source of pride for the university community, citing his more than two decades of contributions to governance, administration, infrastructure development and sports business.
“For over two decades, we have seen him provide visionary leadership in different segments of the sports industry. His journey continues to inspire our students and demonstrates what an ABU graduate can achieve through competence, integrity and dedication to national service,” Ahmed said.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted ABU’s long-standing contribution to university sports and athlete development in Nigeria, noting that the institution has produced elite athletes, coaches and sports administrators who have significantly shaped the country’s sporting landscape over the past four decades.
Ahmed reaffirmed the university’s commitment to partnering with the NSC following ABU’s designation as one of six Nigerian Sports Centers of Excellence and its successful bid to host the 2028 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games.
He described both achievements as national responsibilities and pledged that the university would collaborate with the commission to deliver projects that align with Dikko’s vision of a professionally managed, commercially driven and globally competitive sports industry.
“The future of Nigerian sports depends on not only producing champions on the field but also developing world-class professionals in sports administration, governance and business,” he added.
In response, Dikko thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the university delegation for their confidence in the commission’s reform agenda, assuring them of a strong partnership to promote sports development and unlock new opportunities within the Nigerian sports ecosystem.
He reiterated the NSC’s commitment to strengthening institutional sports, particularly university competitions, talent identification and sports infrastructure, as part of efforts to position sports as a key contributor to the nation’s economy.
The ABU delegation included Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Advancement, Research and Innovation), Professor Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi; the Secretary, Rabiu Samaila; Director of DAIE, Professor MI Umar-Buratai; Director of Sports, Dr. Suleiman Usman Omeiza; Director of Public Affairs, Auwalu Umar; and the Liaison Officer of the university in Abuja, Malam Haruna Ajo.
