NSC Chairman, Education Minister Forge Groundbreaking Partnership To Revitalize Grassroots Sports And School Programs
In a decisive move to reposition sports as a cornerstone of national development, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, convened a strategic meeting on Thursday.
Their discussions centered on integrating sports into Nigeria’s education system, with a focus on grassroots sports development and identifying talents through school programs.
Key Highlights of the Meeting:
1. Establishing Sports Centers of Excellence:
Each geopolitical zone will have at least one tertiary institution designated as a Sports Center of Excellence.
Unity Schools in every state will also serve as Sports Centers for secondary school athletes, with advanced facilities, scholarships, and technical support.
Primary and secondary schools will be integrated into grassroots sports initiatives in partnership with state and local governments.
2. Financing Grassroots Sports Development:
Funding will prioritize school sports, with allocations from government budgets, private sector investments, and donor agencies.
Collaboration with TETFund will focus on upgrading sports infrastructure in tertiary institutions.
The proposed National Sports Development Fund will ensure sustainable financing for the long term.
3. Revitalizing National Competitions:
Major events like the Principal’s Cup, NUGA Games, NIPOGA Games, and NICEGA Games will receive heightened support to foster a competitive spirit and talent discovery.
4. Strengthening Partnerships:
A joint committee will be established to conduct needs assessments and develop strategic plans for implementing school sports initiatives.
The NSC Chairman will address Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts at upcoming January meetings to align strategies with academic stakeholders.
Shehu Dikko emphasized the NSC’s commitment to creating pathways for student-athletes to excel in sports without compromising their education. He highlighted the significant contribution of student-athletes to Nigeria’s success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, noting that 38% of the medals were won by this group.
Dr. Alausa reiterated the Ministry of Education’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment and economic growth.
This collaboration represents a transformative step toward harnessing the nation’s untapped sports potential, ensuring that the next generation of Nigerian athletes can thrive both academically and athletically.
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