Bauchi State has emerged overall winners of the second edition of the 2025 Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Games, clinching a total of 54 medals across different sporting events.
The state secured 19 gold, 21 silver, and 14 bronze medals, finishing ahead of Delta State with 53 medals, while Kaduna State came third with 23 medals.
At the closing ceremony held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Governor Bala Muhammad, represented by Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawal Muhammad Rimin Zayam, commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for entrusting Bauchi with hosting responsibilities. He noted that the event united over 1,000 young athletes and officials from across Nigeria, fostering sportsmanship, friendship, and national integration.
UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by Zonal Director Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Jarma, praised the ten-day competition for showcasing teamwork, discipline, and talent among pupils nationwide. She urged schools to integrate sports as an essential part of education to nurture healthier and more united children.
President of the National SUBEB Sports Officers Forum (NASSOF), Mr. Ipede Joseph, also commended Bauchi State Government and stakeholders for their support, stressing that the games will continue to nurture future champions and responsible citizens.
The successful hosting of the 2025 BESS Games highlights Bauchi’s growing role in promoting grassroots sports development and national unity through education-based competitions.
By Umar Sa’id, Bauchi
