ABA Launches Referees' Development Programme for Young Basketball Officials

Posted : 10 July 2026

The Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) has commenced a three-day Referees and Technical Officials Clinic in Abuja as part of efforts to develop the next generation of basketball officials in Nigeria.

The programme, which began on Thursday at the basketball court of the Old Parade Ground in Area 10, Abuja, has brought together 25 participants from basketball academies in the Federal Capital Territory and Kano State. The clinic targets boys and girls aged between 17 and 25 who are currently in school.

Tagged "Dream Alive," the initiative is designed to provide participants with modern officiating skills based on international standards. It also aims to create career opportunities in basketball officiating, sports administration and technical management.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, ABA President and Founder, Aliyu Abubakar, encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity and develop careers that will contribute to the growth of basketball in Nigeria.

Abubakar, who is also a Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, stressed that referees and technical officials are essential to the success of every basketball competition.

He noted that while players often receive most of the attention, the sport cannot thrive without qualified officials who ensure fairness, discipline, professionalism and proper application of the rules during games.

According to him, the Amateur Basketball Academies remain committed to developing every aspect of the basketball ecosystem, not just players. He explained that the organisation also focuses on producing coaches, referees, table officials, statisticians, commissioners and sports administrators capable of supporting the game's long-term growth.

Abubakar described the "Dream Alive" programme as an initiative that provides young Nigerians with alternative career pathways within basketball, particularly for those who may not pursue professional playing careers.

He congratulated the participants on their selection and urged them to approach every lecture, practical session and assessment with commitment, discipline and a willingness to learn.

FIBA Referees Instructor Nuhu Samuel also addressed the participants, explaining that the clinic combines classroom instruction with on-court practical sessions. He said the programme is designed to expose aspiring officials to modern officiating techniques, updated interpretations of FIBA rules and current refereeing mechanics.

Samuel added that the intensive training is intended to prepare participants for the demands of contemporary basketball competitions at both national and international levels.

Several members of the ABA Board attended the opening ceremony, including Coaches Adeka Daudu, Emmanuel Odah, Alex Ujoh and Oyekan Oyedeji, alongside Kayode Adeniyi and Board Secretary Genevieve Ogechi Ihenewengwa, who reaffirmed the academy's commitment to developing basketball talent both on and off the court.

ABA Launches Referees' Development Programme for Young Basketball Officials

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