The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has emphasized the need for improved coordination among organizers of school sports competitions. He made this call during an engagement meeting with the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF).
Speaking at the meeting, Dikko stated, “Getting school sports right is essential. School sports form the foundation of elite sports. If school sports decline, elite sports will inevitably suffer. Every elite athlete has grassroots beginnings, and school sports are the cornerstone of grassroots sports development.”
He highlighted the importance of synergy among key stakeholders such as the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), the Nigerian Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA), the Nigerian Colleges of Education Games Association (NICEGA), and the school sports federation. “All organizers must align towards a common goal rather than working in isolation,” he said.
The NSC Chairman revealed plans to establish six centers of excellence and stressed the necessity of collaboration to ensure a seamless process. “We are engaging rectors, provosts, and university vice-chancellors to ensure a smooth transfer of talent between institutions. If we discover an athlete in one school, we aim to provide a pathway to a center of excellence, with scholarship support and consistent monitoring,” Dikko explained.
He added that early talent identification from the primary school level would be supported through scholarships that extend to the university level, easing the financial burden on parents. “These athletes will be closely monitored, and their continued participation will be based on maintaining a high standard,” he noted.
Mallam Dikko announced the creation of a dedicated school sports unit within the Commission and a specific budget allocation for school sports competitions such as NUGA, NIPOGA, and NICEGA. “Though the budget may be modest, it is a starting point and will be consistently allocated going forward,” he assured.
In addition, he pledged incentives for schools that identify and nurture talents. “A special fund will reward schools that produce outstanding athletes, encouraging them to develop even more talents. The budget for grassroots sports development and talent identification will be effectively utilized,” he added.
Dikko also called for a shift in focus from winning competitions to prioritizing grassroots development and talent identification. “School sports should emphasize development over competition. Our mission is to reorient our approach towards a development-driven model,” he concluded.
Earlier, NSSF President Mrs. Olabisi Joseph expressed her support for the NSC’s vision, stating, “We are here to align with your administration and chart a strategic course for sustainable sports development. Our goal is to positively engage schoolboys and girls while integrating sports and education for holistic development.”
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