The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has once again demonstrated that grassroots sports hold the key to reviving national unity, talent development, and educational engagement. This was evident at the just-concluded Basic Education Schools Sports (BESS) Games for the North-East zone, which took place in Yola, Adamawa State, between 25th and 31st August 2025.
The event drew basic education pupils from across the six states of the region—Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. More than a sporting competition, the games became a platform for celebrating the resilience, discipline, and raw potential of children who often learn and grow in some of Nigeria’s most challenging circumstances.
From the opening ceremony to the final whistle, the Yola games offered more than medals. They became a living testimony of UBEC’s renewed focus on sports as a vital part of education. In a region long affected by insecurity, low school enrolment, and early drop-out rates, the games injected a sense of pride and belonging into the school community.
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Adamawa’s Triumph and the Message Behind It
The host state, Adamawa, left an indelible mark on the competition by sweeping every available gold medal. While this achievement sparked cheers, its significance goes beyond the podium. It demonstrated what is possible when state governments align fully with UBEC’s policies, release funds on time, and provide adequate support for sports at the basic level.
According to Dr. Murtala Umar Babayi, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), the results were not by chance. He explained that Adamawa invested heavily in training, equipment, and facilities once UBEC rolled out its grassroots sports framework. He added that the initiative did not only bring out the best in pupils but also gave parents and communities renewed confidence in the value of schooling.
Dr. Babayi praised UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, for her “unwavering commitment to marrying education with sports development.” He stressed that children are more disciplined, more confident, and more engaged when they are given opportunities to shine both in class and on the field.
Adamawa’s success also sent a subtle challenge to other North-East states: that excellence in school sports is not about luck but about planning, funding, and accountability.
A Scalable Model for National Grassroots Sports
The Yola BESS Games went beyond entertainment; they created a scalable model for sports development nationwide. Every participating state witnessed firsthand how structured competitions can transform children’s outlook on learning, reduce absenteeism, and even inspire future careers.
In recent years, Nigeria has lamented the dwindling presence of its athletes in global tournaments. UBEC’s model is quietly correcting this by catching talents early. The Yola experience proved that when children as young as 8 or 10 are given a chance to compete, they quickly pick up discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills. These qualities later ripple into their academics and community life.
Observers at the games noted that UBEC’s intervention provided more than just jerseys and footballs. It provided policy direction, structured competitions, and regional coordination. It made sports a deliberate part of the basic education curriculum rather than an afterthought.
Parents who trooped to the Yola stadium confessed they had never seen their children so enthusiastic about school. “My boy now wakes up early for practice and even comes home eager to do his homework,” said Maryam Musa, a parent from Bauchi. “Before, he was almost tired of school. But football gave him reason to stay.”
Beyond the Medals: What the North-East Can Learn
The significance of the Yola Games is deeper than Adamawa’s medal haul. They reflect how sports can be used to tackle long-standing challenges in the North-East. For years, the region has struggled with low completion rates, fragile attendance, and disengaged pupils. Sports are now proving to be a tool for reversing those trends.
Research has shown that schools with vibrant sports programmes record higher attendance and lower drop-out rates. Children gain focus, learn teamwork, and develop healthier lifestyles. For the North-East, where insecurity has robbed many young people of normal childhood experiences, UBEC’s sports vision is filling a crucial gap.
The Yola Games also highlighted the role of community ownership. Local leaders, teachers, and parents were involved in preparations, creating a bond between schools and their neighbourhoods. This sense of ownership is critical in sustaining interest and ensuring that sporting facilities do not fall into neglect after major events.
Education experts argue that the BESS Games could be a game-changer if replicated consistently across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The approach offers states a blueprint for engaging children, improving learning outcomes, and discovering hidden talents who may one day represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Key Takeaways from Yola
| Highlight | Insight |
|---|---|
| Event | UBEC North-East BESS Games, Yola (25–31 August 2025) |
| Participants | Pupils from six states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe |
| Outcome | Adamawa won all available gold medals |
| UBEC’s Impact | Provided funding, policy direction, and integration of sports into basic education |
| Significance | Boosted attendance, community pride, and grassroots talent development |
| Future Value | A replicable model for other Nigerian states |
Conclusion: Sports as a Lifeline for Basic Education
The Yola Games have sent a powerful reminder that education is not just about books and exams. It is about raising well-rounded citizens—children who can learn, play, lead, and dream.
UBEC’s grassroots sports vision is not perfect, but it is timely and transformative. In Adamawa’s victory lies a national lesson: with proper funding, commitment, and grassroots focus, Nigerian children can thrive against all odds.
As the stadium lights dimmed in Yola, the applause was not just for the winning athletes. It was for the renewed hope that Nigerian education can, through sports, produce stronger, healthier, and more disciplined generations.
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