The Wunti Alkhairi Foundation has undertaken to construct a 10000 Seater multipurpose hall for Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi as part of efforts to provide an enabling environment for academic and extra-curricular activities for the University Community.
The announcement was made Om Tuesday by the Founder and finacer of the Foundation, Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti, during the exhibition and award ceremony of the Bala Wunti Arena design competition by architectural design students.
Speaking virtually, Bala Maijama’a Wunti, commended the efforts of the students saying that they did excellently well even beyond what was expected from them considering that they are not yet licensed and professionals.
He assured that the three best designs will be well looked into and see how the designs will be merged in order to have an edifice intended.
He assured that in the next few weeks, other aspects of the project will commence including soil testing and others leading to the ground breaking ceremony.
Bala Maijama’a Wunti added that the edifice will be completed and handed over to the University before the next conversation so that it will be used for the ceremony.
Aside the main hall, that can used for indoor games such as tennis, badminton, basketball, handball, he disclosed that there will be offices and breakout rooms for conferences, workshops, training and seminars
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of ATBU, Prof Ibrahim Hassan Garba, said that the participation by the students was critical as it enabled them to compete constructively with their peers which are essential qualities that will prepare them for the challenges of their future professions.
He expressed profound appreciation to Dr Bala Wunti for his vision, generosity, and confidence in the abilities of our students saying “His decision that the design competition should be restricted exclusively to students of ATBU demonstrates a
strong belief in the capacity of our University to nurture talents capable of producing innovative and world-class designs.*
The VC added, “This gesture is particularly significant because it provides our students with a platform to demonstrate their competence, creativity, and readiness to contribute
meaningfully to national development. We are equally grateful for Dr Wunti’s willingness to bring such a gigantic and potentially
transformative edifice to our University.”
He added that,”The proposed Bala Wunti Arena represents more than a
physical structure; it symbolises a commitment to institutional development, educational
advancement, and the creation of facilities that can support academic, social, cultural, and other
important activities within the University community.”
He further said, “We sincerely appreciate his confidence in
ATBU and his desire to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit present and future generations of students, staff, and the wider community. This initiative is also a practical demonstration of the important role that individuals who have benefited from education can play in supporting their institutions and contributing to the advancement of society.”
“We hope that this noble gesture will inspire other well-meaning individuals, alumni, corporate organisations, and development partners to identify with the University and support its vision for sustainable growth and development,” he added.
The VC also specially commended the Evaluation Panel for the excellent work it has done in assessing the submissions and identifying the winning designs stressing, “The task of evaluating creative architectural proposals, particularly when presented by enthusiastic and talented students. requires diligence, professionalism, fairness, and careful consideration of the relevant criteria.”
“We appreciate the time, expertise, and commitment invested by the panel members in ensuring
that the exercise was conducted successfully. Your contribution has been instrumental to the
success and credibility of this competition.
There were goodwill messages from the Chief Operations Manager of Wunti Alkhairi Foundation, Mustapha Ango and Bala Wunti Support Organisation (BWSO), Mukhtar Ahmed Jarmajo, who separately assured that with the approval of the project, it will commence very soon and delivered for the benefit of the University Community.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of all students who participated in the competition, Farida Valentine, appreciated Wunti Alkhairi Foundation for identitying ATBU for the project and giving them the opportunity to practise what they are learning in the classrooms.
Eleven groups of Architectural Design students participated in the competition after which the best three were selected for the project. At the end, the sum of N25m was given as cash prizes as well as certificates and letters of commendation for all the participants.
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