The National Sports Commission (NSC) has partnered with the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) to provide academic opportunities for Nigerian athletes, ensuring they can pursue higher education while continuing their training and competitions.
The agreement was finalized during a strategic meeting at the NSC headquarters in Abuja, attended by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, Deputy Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria Kristof Korosi, and MATE’s Director of Sports, Lakner Zoltan.
Brokered by the Hungarian Embassy, the collaboration will see MATE offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programs designed to accommodate athletes’ demanding schedules. Chairman Dikko described the initiative as a “game-changer,” aligning with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) and the NSC’s school sports development programs.
“This partnership ensures that our athletes not only excel in their sporting careers but also secure a strong academic foundation for life beyond sports,” Dikko stated.
The Hungarian government already provides 100 scholarships annually to Nigerian students through a previous agreement with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This new partnership guarantees a minimum of 30 additional scholarships each year specifically for Nigerian athletes, reinforcing Hungary’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youth.
NSC Director-General Olopade emphasized that education remains a key pillar in developing young athletes, while Deputy Ambassador Korosi reaffirmed Hungary’s dedication to strengthening educational and sports exchanges with Nigeria.
Hungary has historically been a welcoming destination for Nigerians, playing a significant role in assisting displaced Nigerian students during the Ukraine crisis.
The meeting concluded with a roadmap for implementing the scholarships and other projects of mutual interest, marking a significant step in Nigeria-Hungary sports and education cooperation.
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