In a landmark demonstration of his commitment to strengthening tertiary education and promoting institutional development, the Chief Executive Officer of World Energy Council Nigeria, Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti, has initiated the construction of a multimillion-naira Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Hall at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of Bala Wunti Support Organisation (BWSO), Mr Kamal Ibrahim, on Tuesday, the project, known as the Bala Wunti Arena, will have a capacity of 10,000 people and is expected to be completed within 50 weeks. The initiative is designed to provide ATBU with a modern, all-year-round facility for sporting activities, academic and institutional programmes, convocation ceremonies and other major events.
In a unique approach to promoting creativity and innovation, the architectural design was developed by students of the university through a competitive design process.
Speaking virtually at the official Award and Recognition Ceremony for the Bala Wunti Arena on Tuesday, Dr Wunti described the project as his modest contribution to the university system that gave him the foundation for his professional journey.
He said the initiative was conceived as a practical way of giving back to education and creating an enduring legacy that would benefit generations of students and the wider university community.
Dr Wunti expressed confidence that investments in modern infrastructure such as the Bala Wunti Arena would strengthen ATBU and other Nigerian universities to compete more effectively with institutions globally. He also disclosed that construction materials required for the project would be sourced locally, stressing that the initiative would stimulate local businesses, support the economy and create employment opportunities for young people.
Dr Wunti commended the management of ATBU, the assessment panel and all the students who participated in the design competition. Dr Wunti particularly described the initiative as a “project for ATBU by ATBU,” reflecting his belief that students should not only benefit from university development but should also be given opportunities to contribute their ideas, skills and creativity to shaping their institutions.
In his remarks, the CEO of Bala Wunti Support Organisation (BWSO), Malam Mukhtar Ahmed Jarmajo, commended Dr Wunti for funding the project and described the initiative as another demonstration of his commitment to impactful development.
He expressed confidence that, given Dr Wunti’s antecedents, the Bala Wunti Arena would be delivered within the stipulated 50-week timeline.
At the ceremony, W-Nexus emerged as the winner of the design competition and received a N5 million reward, while Spartial Mind, the first runner-up, received N4 million; Spartial Nexus, the second runner-up, received N3 million, while other participating groups were rewarded with N1 million each. The assessment panel also received N3 million in recognition of its role in evaluating the students’ submissions.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of ATBU, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan, commended Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti for his philanthropic support to the university.
He recognised the initiative as a significant contribution to the institution and expressed appreciation for the investment in infrastructure, creativity and the development of students.
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