The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has pledged full support for Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as the Institution prepares to host the 2028 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) games. FCC Chair Hulayat Omidiran made the pledge when ABU management, led by Vice Chancellor Adamu Ahmed, visited her at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Omidiran congratulated ABU for securing hosting rights for the 29th edition of the games, pending the final signing of a memorandum of agreement, marking the return of the games to the Institution for the first time since 2001. She also applauded the designation of ABU as one of Nigeria's national sports centres of excellence, noting the Federal Government's plans to upgrade the Institution's sports infrastructure. She described both milestones as strategic opportunities to discover talent and strengthen the country's sports landscape, adding that the biennial multi sport event was designed to foster elite student athlete development, national unity, and the sports economy across Nigerian universities.

Describing ABU as the foundation of her career and leadership journey, Omidiran expressed pride in being an alumna of the Institution. She stated that the University shaped her character, broadened her perspective, and prepared her for the responsibilities of leadership and national service, adding that she remained committed to supporting initiatives promoting education, national development, and youth empowerment. The former lawmaker also accepted ABU's invitation to attend its 64th Anniversary celebrations scheduled for October 4.

Welcoming Omidiran's support, Ahmed commended her distinguished career in public governance and sports administration. He highlighted her past roles as a two term member of the House of Representatives, a pioneering member of FIFA's Women's Committee, Secretary of the Nigerian Olympic Committee's board of trustees, and founder of Omidiran Babes Football Club. He revealed that during her undergraduate days at ABU, where she earned a B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Omidiran served as Student Union Government Secretary of Queen Amina Hall.