By Bauchi Hosts National Basic Education School Sports Competition as Over 20 States Converg
Bauchi State has become a hub of youthful sporting activities as it hosts the 2026 National Basic Education School Sports Competition, with participants from more than 20 states already in attendance.
The competition officially commenced on Wednesday, drawing athletes, coaches, and education stakeholders from across the country. Organisers disclosed during the opening ceremony that the event is designed to identify, nurture, and promote young sporting talents at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, commended the organisers for choosing Bauchi as host state. He described the selection as a testament to his administration’s sustained commitment to education and youth development.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, the governor stressed the importance of sports in schools, noting that it remains a key component of holistic education.
“Sports play a vital role in talent discovery, discipline, and character building. I sincerely hope this tournament will be conducted in fairness and excellence, and that deserving teams will be duly rewarded,” he said.
Also addressing participants, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajiya Aisha Garba, announced increased federal support for sports development in schools.
Represented by the North-East Zonal Director, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, she revealed that UBEC had reviewed its allocation for sports from one to two percent of the annual matching grants.
The week-long competition is expected to feature various sporting events and serve as a platform for discovering the next generation of Nigerian sports stars.
