Bala Wunti Initiates Construction of 10,000-Capacity Arena at ATBU

- BAUCHI – The Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council Nigeria, Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti, has initiated the construction of a multi-purpose indoor sports hall with a capacity of 10,000 people at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

The facility, known as the Bala Wunti Arena, is expected to be completed within 50 weeks and will provide the university with a modern, all-year-round venue for sporting activities, academic and institutional programmes, convocation ceremonies and other major events.

The project was announced in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Bala Wunti Support Organisation (BWSO), Kamal Ibrahim, on Tuesday.

The architectural design for the arena was developed by students of ATBU through a competitive design process aimed at promoting creativity and innovation among students.

Speaking virtually at the official award and recognition ceremony for the project, Dr Wunti described the initiative as his modest contribution to the university system that provided the foundation for his professional career.

He said the project was conceived as a way of giving back to the education sector 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 would strengthen ATBU and other Nigerian universities to compete more effectively with institutions globally.

He also disclosed that construction materials for the project would be sourced locally, saying the initiative would support local businesses, contribute to the economy and create employment opportunities for young people.

Dr Wunti commended the management of ATBU, the assessment panel and students who participated in the design competition, describing the project as “a project for ATBU by ATBU.”

According to him, the initiative reflects 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.

The Chief Executive Officer of BWSO, Malam Mukhtar Ahmed Jarmajo, also commended Dr Wunti for funding the project, describing it as another demonstration of his commitment to impactful development.

He expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated 50-week timeline.

At the ceremony, W-Nexus emerged as the winner of the design competition and received a N5 million prize. Spartial Mind, the first runner-up, received N4 million, while Spartial Nexus, the second runner-up, received N3 million.

Other participating groups received N1 million each, while the assessment panel received N3 million in recognition of its role in evaluating the students’ submissions.

The Vice-Chancellor of ATBU, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan, commended Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti for his philanthropic support to the university.

He described the initiative as a significant contribution to the institution and appreciated the investment in infrastructure, creativity and student development.