KASU PARTNERS WITH AK, LAUNCHES FOOTBALL ACADEMY IN KADUNA

By Gambo Abubakar, Kaduna

The management of Kaduna State University (KASU), in partnership with the non-governmental organization Amir Khalifa Football Academy, has officially launched the AK-KASU Football Academy to generate revenue for the university.

The AK-KASU Football Academy aims to establish a world-recognized football academy for young talents, set up training centers for professional and amateur footballers and fans, and create commercial facilities including a gymnasium and shops, among others.

The football academy's launch was recently held at the KASU convocation ground in Kaduna.

Former House of Assembly member representing Yola North and Yola South federal constituency, Alhaji Jafaru Ribado, described the engagement of youths in sporting activities as a significant step towards reducing the high rate of crimes in Nigeria.

The House member argued, "For the youth to engage in any positive sports activities, there would be no room to involve in immoral acts. It really reduces a lot of crises, enhances unity in diversity, and also addresses the lingering insecurity challenges facing the nation."

"With the partnership of KASU as an academic environment, it's really a golden opportunity for the players to earn certificates of excellence and boost their talents and experience through the AK Academy."

The Kaduna State Football Association Chairman, Faisal Mohammed Abdullahi, commended the AK Academy management for establishing the project. He noted that it helps the state football governing body fulfill its mandate and agenda by providing better sporting facilities for the youth.

He also described the AK Academy as one of the most active academies under their association in the state. "We have donated a plot of land to the Academy and we are willing to assist much more for the development of our teeming youth and football in the state."

"It's really fantastic facilities. It looks like you travel abroad to places like Morocco and other European countries that have established such facilities. I'm delighted to see such in Kaduna."

Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Professor Ibrahim Abdullahi, represented by Professor H.O. Aboh, the Director of Consultancy Services at KASU, described the KASU and AK Academy partnership as wise and excellent.

"Based on the university system, which is to inculcate and graduate people on 'character and learning,' the partnership is a golden opportunity for youth academy members to secure admissions into various courses and secure free scholarships in the university."

He called on parents to register their children in the AK Academy for a better future for our teeming teenagers who have an interest in football.

While briefing journalists at the event, the Chairman of the Management Board of AK Academy, Dr. Aminu Abbas Khalifa, said the aim of establishing the Academy is to be the best academy for talents and create multiple channels to bring them out to the world, as well as being a massive revenue-generating complex.

Dr. Khalifa further noted that the Academy has achieved success in hosting and engaging in multiple scouting tournaments by foreign club directors from around the world, including locations such as Abuja, Lagos, Gombe, and Kaduna, among others.

"The football academy is FIFA and NFF licensed, founded by young, dedicated, and talented individuals who have great passion for football, thriving in both physical and business establishments for the last five years. The partnership with KASU has given it the name 'AK-KASU Football Academy.'"