The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has inaugurated a 20-member committee to review sports curricula in tertiary institutions across the country. At the inauguration in Abuja, Alausa noted that existing sports curricula in tertiary institutions and schools remained largely theoretical and outdated.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.

He expressed concerns that many Nigerian youths were wasting away while the country’s once vibrant sporting system had faded. Alausa 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. The Minister emphasized that the new committee would restructure sports curricula, focusing on practical skills, modern delivery methods, and integration with related disciplines. He listed the terms of reference of the committee as: Review existing Physical/Health Education, Sports, and Sports Science courses accredited by NUC, NBTE, NCCE, and curricula from NERDC.

Also speaking, the 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.