By Ado Salisu
Ahmadu Bello University has commended the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, for the remarkable leadership he brought to the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s sports sector.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, made the commendation when he led a delegation from the university on a courtesy visit to commission at the weekend.
He described Shehu Dikko as a distinguished alumnus of ABU, saying his appointment as the head of Nigeria’s sports regulatory agency was a source of pride to the entire university community.
Ahmed said ABU strongly identified itself with Shehu Dikko’s vision of repositioning sports from being seen largely as recreation and competition to becoming a vibrant and sustainable sports economy.
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He also said ABU was encouraged by the progress already being made at the commission, acknowledging his courage, clarity of purpose, and commitment to the national assignment.
“For over two decades, we have watched you provide visionary leadership across different segments of the sports industry, influencing reforms in governance, administration, infrastructure, and sports business.
“Your journey continues to inspire our students and demonstrates what an ABU graduate can achieve through competence, integrity, and dedication to national service”, Prof further said.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that Shehu Dikko’s success was part of a much larger story, as ABU had for over 40 years remained one of Nigeria’s foremost contributors to sports development.
Beyond producing outstanding athletes, he also said, the university consistently produced leaders who had shaped the administration of sports in Nigeria.
Prof Ahmed further stated that the legacy made ABU to believe that universities must remain central to the future of sports development in Nigeria.
He said ABU regarded its election as one of the six sports centres of excellence and the hosting rights for the 2028 NUGA games granted it as not only institutional achievements but also national responsibilities.
Ahmed stressed that ABU was committed to delivering them in close partnership with the National Sports Commission in a manner that would reflect Shehu Dikko’s vision for a modern, professionally managed and economically viable sports sector.
He was of the belief that the future of Nigerian sports would depend not only on producing champions on the field of play but also on producing world class professionals in sports administration, governance, business, and others.
Prof Ahmed assured Shehu Dikko that he (Dikko) had in ABU a willing and dependable partner, as the institution stood ready to support the National Sports Commission to advance the all important national agenda.
Responding, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, expressed profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the university for the visit.
Dikko, who was assisted by the commission’s top officials in receiving the ABU team, said they would partner with the university to further develop and promote sports industry.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research, and Innovation, Prof Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi; the Registrar, Rabiu Samaila; and the Director, DAIE, Prof M I Umar-Buratai, were on the delegation.
Others were the Director of Sports, Dr Suleiman Usman Omeiza; the Director, Public Affairs, Auwalu Umar; and the University Liaison Officer, Abuja, Malam Haruna Ajo.
