The Federal Government, through the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has inaugurated a 20-member committee to review sports curricula in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa noted that existing sports curricula in tertiary institutions and schools remain largely theoretical and outdated. He stressed the need for a comprehensive review to align Nigeria’s approach with successful sports nations, urging a return to foundational development in sports from early childhood.
Inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Thursday night, the Minister declared, “Education is sports, and sports is education,” lamenting that many Nigerian youths are wasting away while the country’s once vibrant sporting system has faded. He contrasted the current situation with the robust sporting era of clubs like Shooting Stars, noting the nation’s shift toward consuming foreign sports content on satellite TV.
He emphasized that the new committee will restructure sports curricula, focusing on practical skills, modern delivery methods, and integration with related disciplines.
Terms of Reference:
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Review existing Physical/Health Education, Sports, and Sports Science courses accredited by NUC, NBTE, NCCE, and curricula from NERDC.
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Recommend updates to course content, structure, or new programmes in line with global sports trends and standards.
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Propose structures for establishing sports/sports science departments and faculties.
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Suggest strategies for linking sports courses with other fields such as medicine (physiotherapy) and business (sports management).
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Identify relevant documents and resources needed for the committee’s work.
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Submit a detailed report based on evaluations and deliberations.
Special Assistant on Digital Communications and E-Learning to the Minister, Mojoyinoluwa Adebajo, described the inauguration as critical to Nigeria’s sports development.
The Minister granted the committee authority to elect its Chairman and Vice Chairman. Members include:
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Hajia Rekiya Ilyasu – Director, University Education, FME
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Alex Usman Ejeh – Director, Polytechnic Education, FME
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Dr. Uche Uba – Director, Colleges of Education, FME
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Mojoyin Adebajo – Special Assistant, Digital Communications & E-Learning
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Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu – Executive Secretary, NUC
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Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle – Executive Secretary, NCCE
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Prof. Idris M. Bugaje – Executive Secretary, NBTE
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Prof. Salisu Shehu – Executive Secretary, NERDC
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Lanre Ogunjobi – Technical Assistant to Chair, National Sports Commission
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Dr. Kweku Tandoh – Subject Matter Expert
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Prof. Clement Fasan, LASUTH – Subject Matter Expert
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Prof. Edo Ba Omoreghei – Vice Chancellor, University of Benin
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Prof. Ujam Ogejiofor – Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
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Prof. Kayode Adebowale – Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan
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Prof. Ishaya Tanko – Vice Chancellor, University of Jos
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Prof. Adamu Ahmed – Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University
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Prof. Laminu Mele – Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri
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Prof. Kamoru Kadiri – Rector, Federal Polytechnic Offa
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Dr. Ibrahim Ismaila Mosimabale – Provost, Federal College of Education, Okene
Commendations poured in from stakeholders. Prof. Ribadu praised the Minister’s initiative, while Prof. Adamu Ahmed expressed optimism in the committee’s potential. Dr. Mosimabale pledged the committee’s readiness to revamp sports in Nigeria.
Dr. Kweku Tandoh urged collaboration with the National Institute for Sports, which is also reviewing its curricula.
Closing the event, Dr. Alex Usman applauded the Minister’s vision, stating that the move aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sports, aiming to produce skilled educators capable of training the next generation of athletes, sports leaders, and healthy citizens.
Elijah Adeyemi
