The Federal Government through the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has inaugurated a 20-man committee to review the sports curricula in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He noted that the present Sports curricula in tertiary institutions and other schools still focus on theoretical content and outdated frameworks.
For Nigeria to do what other prospering sports countries are doing, the Minister harped on the need to go back to the drawing board, which is the review of Sports curricula.
Inaugurating the Committee in Abuja on Thursday night, the Minister said "Education is sports, and sports is education", adding that many countries doing well in sports have nurtured their kids from the kindergarten.
But in Nigeria, he said, that many youths are wasting away.
He also pointed out that the past robust sporting system in Nigeria in the days of the Shooting Stars and other clubs just disappeared.
Nigerians, he said, are rather now glued to DSTV beaming premiership matches from abroad and paying heavily to watch them.
"How did they get there? That means we are not doing the right things.
"So, we are putting this committee together to put the curricula together." he said
The Minister reeled out the following terms of reference for the committee:
"To comprehensively review existing physical/health education (sports and sports science) courses accredited by NUC, NBTE, NCCE, as well as curricula by NERDC. The content, delivery method and skills outcomes must be assessed and evaluated.
"To recommend updates to course content, structure or new courses and degrees in line with the growing global sports ecosystem, international institutions and standards, to be offered at tertiary institutions.
"To recommend structure(s) for setting up departments and faculties for sports/sports science.
"To recommend strategies to link sport/sport science courses with other degrees/departments i.e., medicine for physiotherapy courses, business for business administration etc.
"To recommend any relevant information, documentation needed for the committee to fulfil its function
"To provide a report on findings from evaluations, reviews and committee deliberations." the Minister stated.
In her welcome address earlier, the Special Assistant on Digital Communications & E-learning to Honourable Minister of Education, Mojoyinoluwa Adebajo noted that the inauguration of the committee is critical to sports development in the country..
While the Minister gave the committee members the power to elect their Chairman and Vice Chairman, he listed the following as the Committee Members
1. Director University Education, FME - Hajia Rekiya Ilyasu
2. Director of Polytechnic Education, FME- Alex Usman Ejeh
3. Director of Colleges of Education, FME - Dr. Uche Uba
4. Special Assistant on Digital Communications and E-Learning to HME-Mojoyin Adebajo
5. Executive Secretary NUC - Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu
6. Executive Secretary NCCE - Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle
7. Executive Secretary NBTE - Prof. Idris M. Bugaje
8. Executive Secretary NERDC - Prof. Salisu Shehu
9. Technical Assistant to Chair of National Sports Commission (NSC) - Lanre Ogunjobi
10. Subject Matter Expert - Dr Kweku Tandoh
11. Subject Matter Expert - Prof. Clement Fasan, LASUTH
12. Vice Chancellor University of Benin, Edo State - Prof. Edo Ba Omoreghei
13. Vice Chancellor University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State - Prof Ujam Ogejiofor
14. Vice Chancellor University of Ibadan, Oyo State
15. e-Prof Kayode Adebowale
16. Vice Chancellor University of Jos, Plateau State - Prof Ishaya Tanko
17. Vice Chancellor Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State - Prof Adamu Ahmed
18. Vice Chancellor Mohammed Buhari University of Maiduguri, Borno State - Prof Laminu Mele
19. Rector Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State - Prof Kamoru Kadiri
20. Provost Federal College of Okene, Kogi State - Dr. Ibrahim Ismaila Mosimabale
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof Ribadu commented the Minister for the laudable programme.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, said that he could see potential and hope in creation of the committee.
The Provost Federal College of Okene, Dr. Ibrahim Ismaila Mosimabale said the committee is ready to play critical role in revamping sports in Nigeria.
Stressing that the curricula for sports have been static over the years, the Subject Matter Expert - Dr Kweku Tandoh, said there is need to make it dynamic.
He suggested that the Committee should engage with the National Institute for Sports that is also currently reviewing its curricula.
Making a closing remark, the Director, Polytechnic Education, And Allied Institute Department in the ministry, Dr A. Usman, said "I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Education for his visionary leadership in constituting this Committee to review our sports courses and curriculum in line with the President's Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports.
"This bold initiative reflects a deep commitment to revitalising our sports infrastructure, fostering sustainable sports development, and promoting physical fitness across Nigeria.
"It is a step that will ensure our institutions produce teachers who can inspire, train, and nurture the next generation of athletes, sports leaders, and healthy citizens."
To the committee members, he said, "The task before you is critical, and I am confident that your expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit will deliver recommendations that meet both present and future needs."