FG Establishes Joint Committee to Merge Sports and Education for Youth Development

In a significant move aimed at transforming youth development in Nigeria, the Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Committee on Sports and Education. This collaborative initiative, spearheaded by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), seeks to integrate academic and athletic pursuits within the country’s grassroots development framework.

The committee, co-chaired by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, will focus on developing strategic plans for school sports, creating Sports Centers of Excellence across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, and strengthening collegiate competitions such as NUGA, NICEGA, NIPOGA, Principal’s Cup, and NSSF.

Speaking at the inauguration held at the FME headquarters in Abuja, Dikko emphasized the importance of inclusive talent development. Citing data from the Paris Olympics—where 38% of medalists were student-athletes—he noted the critical need for Nigerian students to thrive academically and athletically.

“Through this committee, we will ensure no talented Nigerian youth is left behind,” Dikko stated.

Minister Alausa hailed the initiative as “a defining moment” for both sectors. “Education is sports, and sports is education—there’s no separation. Together, we are building future champions and well-rounded leaders,” he said, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership for restructuring the sports sector and revitalizing the NSC.

Also present, Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad stressed the global relevance of integrating sports into the education system, noting that many developed nations source top athletes through their schools.

The Committee will operate from the NSC secretariat and will include stakeholders from both ministries, the private sector, and other relevant bodies, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive national development strategy.

The federal government has urged state governments, educational institutions, corporate organizations, and the media to support the initiative, positioning it as a national priority for youth empowerment and talent discovery.