NSC partners with Hungarian university on special scholarship for Nigerian athletes

By Olaolu Joseph

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has secured a special scholarship partnership with the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) to provide academic opportunities for Nigerian athletes.

The agreement was finalized during a strategic engagement meeting at the NSC headquarters in Abuja, attended by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director-General Honourable Bukola Olopade, Deputy Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria Kristof Korosi, and MATE’s Director of Sports, Lakner Zoltan.

As part of the collaboration, which was facilitated by the Hungarian Embassy, MATE will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programs designed to accommodate athletes’ schedules, allowing them to pursue higher education while continuing their training and competitive commitments.

NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko emphasized that this initiative aligns with the NSC’s school sports development programs and the broader Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

“This partnership is a game-changer for Nigerian sports. It ensures that our athletes not only excel in their sporting careers but also secure a strong academic foundation for life beyond sports,” he stated.

The Hungarian government has already signed a scholarship agreement with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering 100 scholarships to Nigerian students annually.

This new NSC-MATE partnership provides an additional 30 scholarships annually, specifically for Nigerian athletes, reinforcing Hungary’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youth.

NSC Director-General Honourable Bukola Olopade highlighted that education remains a crucial pillar in the Commission’s efforts to develop young athletes.

Hungary has long been a welcoming destination for Nigerians, with a thriving Nigerian community. During the Ukraine crisis, Hungary played a key role in accommodating displaced Nigerian students, further demonstrating its strong ties with Nigeria.

Deputy Ambassador Kristof Korosi reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to fostering educational and sports exchanges, emphasizing that this initiative will provide Nigerian athletes with access to world-class academic and sports facilities.

This partnership complements the NSC’s school sports initiatives, ensuring that talented Nigerian athletes can develop academically and professionally while competing at the highest levels.