NSC boss Dikko calls for coordination among school sports associations
By Olaolu Joseph
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has emphasized the need for proper coordination among organizers of school sports games.
Dikko made this appeal during an engagement meeting with the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF).
In his words:
“We need to get school sports right. When we talk about elite sports, school sports is the bedrock. If school sports dies, elite sports dies. No elite athlete started without passing through grassroots sports, and school sports is the foundation of grassroots sports development.
“Therefore, there should be coordination among the various organizers of school sports games. There should be proper synergy between NUGA, NIPOGA, NICEGA, and the school sports federation. Everyone should align in the same direction instead of working at cross-purposes.”
Dikko also reiterated the Commission’s plans to establish six centers of excellence, highlighting the importance of synergy for a seamless process.
“I recently met with the rectors and provosts of polytechnics and colleges of education at the instance of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa. A similar meeting is scheduled with university vice-chancellors.
“The aim is to ensure the smooth transfer of talents between schools and align all stakeholders in the school sports structure with the Commission’s vision. If we discover an athlete in School A, transferring them to School B, which is a center of excellence, should be seamless,” he explained.
He added, “If we identify a child at an early stage, say at the primary school level, we should provide a scholarship that supports them through to university, with constant monitoring. This will relieve parents of the financial burden. The athlete becomes our responsibility, but they must maintain a minimum performance standard to remain in the scheme.”
The NSC Chairman also shared plans to enhance school sports:
“We are setting up a designated unit at the Commission specifically for school sports. For the first time, there is a budget allocation for NUGA, NIPOGA, NICEGA, and others. While it may not be much initially, it is a starting point and will be consistent,” he stated.
He promised incentives for schools that identify and nurture talents.
“We will establish funds to reward schools that produce these talents and encourage them to do more. There is a budget line for grassroots sports development and talent identification, and we intend to use it effectively,” he said.
Mallam Dikko also called for a reorientation regarding school sports.
“School sports should not focus solely on winning. It should prioritize the development of grassroots sports and talent identification. Our mission is to shift the focus from competition-driven activities to development-driven initiatives,” he concluded.
Earlier, NSSF President Mrs. Olabisi Joseph expressed the Federation’s commitment to supporting the NSC’s vision.
“We are here to align with your administration and chart a strategic course for the sustainable development of sports. This will positively engage our school boys and girls, fostering the nexus between sports and education for holistic development,” she said.
