By Murtala Muhammad
Eleven Student Teams from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi have competed in the designing of a proposed ten thousand-capacity Multipurpose Complex for the institution, tagged Bala Wunti Arena.
The competition was initiated by Chief Executive Officer of World Energy Council Nigeria, Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti with a view to promote creativity, innovation and student participation in developing the University’s infrastructure.
At the Award and Recognition Ceremony, Dr Wunti said the arena would serve as his contribution to ATBU, describing the initiative as a way of giving back to the institution.
He explained that the proposed facility would provide space for sporting activities, academic programmes, convocation ceremony and other events, with the construction expected to be completed within 50 weeks.
Dr Wunti who spoke virtually said the project, tagged a project for ATBU-by-ATBU, would strengthen the university, stimulate local businesses and create employment through the use of locally sourced construction materials.
The initiative also provided financial rewards for the competing teams, where W-Nexus emerged first with a five million naira reward, Spartial Mind emerged second with four million naira while Spartial Nexus that clinched third received three million naira reward.
The Vice-Chancellor of ATBU, Professor Ibrahim Hassan, commended Dr Wunti for supporting the university, particularly for investing in infrastructure, creativity and opportunities that encourage students to develop innovative ideas, challenging other alumni of the institution to emulate.
The eight remaining competing teams go home with one million naira each, as the university offers an additional ₦120 thousand, for the 1st position, ₦90 thousand for the 2nd position, and ₦70 thousand for the 3rd position, while others get ₦20 thousand naira each.