A Triumph of University Sports and Peace Building in 2025
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, January 30th – February 1st, 2025 – The Northwest region of Nigeria witnessed a historic moment with the successful launch of the Northwest University Basketball Association (NUBA) First Edition. The three-day tournament, held at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, was not just a display of elite student-athlete talent but also a powerful expression of unity and development, held under the umbrella of the Universities BB4P (Building Bridges for Peace) 3-A-Side Basketball Tournament.
The inaugural event, organized by Basketball4Peace (BB4P) Organizers, marked the culmination of years of effort to create a sustainable, high-level basketball platform for universities in the Northwest. The atmosphere on the ABU court was electric, fueled by passionate supporters and the high stakes of becoming the region’s first-ever champions.
The Contenders: A Battle of Giants
The First Edition featured a competitive lineup of sponsoring and participating institutions, highlighting the commitment of the region’s academic and military bodies to youth development and sports. The participating schools battling for the NUBA title included:
Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.), Zaria: The gracious hosts of the maiden tournament, providing the perfect venue for this historic event.
Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna: Bringing military discipline and formidable teamwork to the court.
Bayero University, Kano (BUK): Known for their strong academic and athletic programs, they were a force to be reckoned with.
Federal University of Education (FUE), Kano: Representing the education sector with agility and speed.
North West University, Kano: A dynamic team ready to challenge the established order.
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna: Showcasing the talent emerging from the military technology sector.
A Platform for Peace and Experience
The NUBA tournament goes beyond the game itself. Positioned as a BB4P project, it serves as a critical tool for promoting peace, conflict resolution, and mutual respect among students from diverse institutional and social backgrounds. Just as the court requires collaboration, the tournament fosters interaction and networking, helping young Africans “chart a new course in their life,” as previous BB4P projects aimed to do.
The success of the maiden edition was significantly bolstered by a roster of dedicated Co-Sponsors, many of whom are accomplished alumni of A.B.U., demonstrating the university community’s commitment to nurturing the next generation:
Louis Edem Ekpeyong
Musa Kida (ABU-1984)
Anita Greene (ABU-1998)
John All’agh (ABU-1999)
Peter Jacob (UNIBEN-1984; Clark Univ-‘ATL’1984-88)
Florence Adeyanju (ABU-1980)
Godwin Harrison (ABU – 2001)
Isah Umar (ABU-1992)
Andy Kpedi (ABU-1986)
Rahinatu Garba (ABU-1992)
Immaculat Udoh (ABU-1991)
Bala Umar (ABU-1995)
The NUBA Legacy Begins
The grand finale on February 1st, 2025, saw a dramatic contest of skill, strategy, and endurance. While the details of the champion are yet to be etched into history, the legacy of the NUBA First Edition is already assured. It has established a clear pathway for talent identification, inter-university collaboration, and character development in the Northwest.
The enthusiastic participation and the robust sponsorship network confirm that NUBA is not just a one-off event, but a sustainable annual platform set to redefine university sports in the region. The champions of this inaugural tournament will forever hold the honour of setting the standard for all future NUBA competitions.
