Ahmadu Bello University has strengthened its Directorate of Sports with key appointments aimed at promoting wellness activities and enhancing participation in competitive sports within and outside the institution.
The Staff Sports and Wellness Programme, which remained inactive since its creation over a decade ago, has now been revived with the appointment of Coach Emmanuel Shibi as Coordinator.
A statement from the public affairs directorate office of the VC said Dr Ahmed Sani Getso of the Sports Directorate was picked as Deputy Director.
Getso is saddled with the responsibility of strengthening the Student-Athlete Academic services.
Specifically, he is to develop and coordinate academic support programmes for student-athletes.
A Deputy Director for Student Recreation, Fitness and Wellness has equally been appointed. He is Alhaji Sani Lawal of the Directorate of Sports.
Alhaji Lawal will be responsible for, among others, developing and coordinating recreational sports programmes for students.
Mr. Abdullahi Baba Ndana is Deputy Director, Competitions and Athlete Development in the Directorate of Sports.
Primarily, Ndana is expected to coordinate all competitive sports programmes involving the university. This is in addition to developing and implementing strategies for talent identification and athlete development.
Also, an Assistant Director for Sports Facilities, Infrastructure and Events Management, has been named. He is Dr Mubarak Umar.
He is responsible for providing leadership and oversight in the planning, maintenance, utilisation, development, and modernisation of all sports facilities and infrastructure within the university.
Prof Adamu Ahmed, the Vice-Chancellor, approved all the appointments.
The appointees were based on their experiences, commitment, and demonstrated capacity to contribute to the sports administration in the university.
Ahmed said the appointments were part of the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Directorate of Sports aimed at strengthening institutional capacity.
They are also aimed at improving sports participation, enhancing athlete development, and ensuring efficient management of sports infrastructure and events in line with global best practices.
It is expected that the appointees will bring dedication, innovation, professionalism, and accountability towards achieving the purpose.