FG To Establish Sports Center of Excellence In Six Universities (Full List)

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

August 15, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

FG Launches Landmark Sports–Education Reform

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, has unveiled a plan to integrate sports into Nigeria’s education system, declaring: “Sports is Education, Education is Sports.” At the inauguration of a 20-member National Sports–Education Review Committee in Abuja, he stressed nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels, as seen in Brazil and Argentina.

Despite over 16 million youths engaging in sports betting, Nigeria lacks a thriving sports economy. Dr. Alausa announced a Sports Development Fund to support athletes and standardise sports infrastructure and curricula. The committee will review accredited Physical and Health Education, Sports, and Sports Science programmes under NUC, NBTE, NCCE, and NERDC, focusing on course content, teaching methods, and introducing globally relevant courses.

Sports Centres of Excellence will be established in six geopolitical zones: UNN, UNIBEN, UI, UNIJOS, ABU Zaria, and Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, plus centres at Federal Polytechnic, Offa and Federal College of Education, Okene. ₦3.5 million per centre is allocated in the 2025 budget.

Stakeholders, including Mr. Usman Ejeh, Prof. Adamu Ahmad, Dr. Ibrahim Mosimabale, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, and Mojoyin Adebajo, praised the reforms as timely for building a sports economy and producing world-class athletes.

The Ministry pledged sustained funding, partnerships, and continuous reforms for academically sound, physically fit, globally competitive graduates.

Folasade Boriwo

Director, Press and Public Relations