The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, held a strategic meeting on Thursday, to strengthen collaboration between the NSC and the Ministry of Education. The meeting focused on revitalizing grassroots sports through school programs, fostering talent development, and positioning sports as a key driver of national development.

The meeting underscored the importance of aligning education and sports policies to harness the potentials of Nigeria’s youth. Shehu Dikko highlighted the pivotal role of school sports in identifying and nurturing talent as a conveyor belt for sustainable domestic sports development, pointing to the success of student-athletes who contributed 38% of medals won at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A major initiative of the National Sports Commission discussed involves the establishment of Sports Centers of Excellence. At least one tertiary institution in each geopolitical zone will be designated as a Sports Center of Excellence, equipped with modern facilities, training programs, technical personnel and scholarships for outstanding athletes. 

Similarly, at least one Unity Schools in every state will serve as Sports Centers of Excellence for secondary school athletes, supported with advanced facilities, scholarships, and a robust nationwide sports data analytics system. Primary and secondary schools will also be integrated into grassroots sports programs in collaboration with State and Local  governments to institutionalize a robust pyramid sports development system in the county.

Both parties agreed to prioritize funding for grassroots sports development hinged on pillar of School Sports. Budgetary provisions will support sports programs at all levels of education, complemented by efforts to attract private sector investment, donor agency support, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Explore partnership with TETFund with a focus on upgrading sports infrastructure in tertiary institutions, while the proposed National Sports Development Fund will ensure sustainable financing for these initiatives on the long term.

The NSC Chairman emphasized the Commission’s dedication to supporting national competitions, including the Principal’s Cup, NUGA Games, NIPOGA Games, and NICEGA Games. Dr. Alausa aligned these initiatives with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies sports as a critical sector for economic growth and youth empowerment.

To ensure coordinated implementation, the parties agreed to establish a joint committee as project delivery team to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and develop a strategic plan for the school sports development. The Honourable Minister of education proposed the committee to  include directors overseeing university education, polytechnics, colleges of education, and basic education, as well as the Minister’s Special Advisor for New Media that will now join the NSC team.

In furtherance to the set objectives, the Minister of Education invited the NSC Chairman to a joint meeting with Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts of tertiary institutions, scheduled for 17th and 19th January 2025 so as to address the gathering on the project and seek alignment with all stakeholders. This forum will solidify the partnership framework and refine strategies for integrating sports development into Nigeria’s education system.

Dikko reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s sports potential through education. “This collaboration represents a significant step towards revitalizing grassroots sports in Nigeria hinged on school sports, ensuring that our student-athletes receive the support needed to excel on national and international stages while not comprising their education", he said.

Alausa also stressed the importance of rebuilding school sports and revitalizing local Government Sports Councils in line to NSC vision, emphasizing that the Ministry is fully committed to this shared vision of sustainable sports development and shared prosperity.

This groundbreaking collaboration between the NSC and the Federal Ministry of Education is set to redefine the landscape of school sports and grassroots talent development across Nigeria.