FG plans eight sports, education centres of excellence

Nigeria's Federal Government is launching the National Sports and Education Excellence Programme (N-SEEP) to establish eight specialized centres across selected tertiary institutions. This initiative, a joint effort between the Ministry of Education and the National Sports Commission, aims to integrate quality education with elite sports development, fostering world-class athletes and professionals.

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The future of sports lies not only in winning competitions, but in developing people. Through this initiative, we are producing athletes who will also become coaches, sports scientists, physiotherapists, administrators, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators.

Unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, the program is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The first phase will see centres established at the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal College of Education Okene, and Babcock University. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing challenge of young Nigerians having to choose between pursuing sports or education.

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We are investing in human capital that will continue to serve our nation long after competitive careers have ended.

Minister Alausa described N-SEEP as a transformative reform designed to produce athletes who can also become coaches, sports scientists, administrators, and innovators. He emphasized that the program invests in human capital, ensuring athletes contribute to the nation long after their competitive careers end. By integrating structured sports development pathways into education, the initiative aims to expand opportunities for youth, reduce involvement in crime, promote national cohesion, and strengthen human capital development. The program also positions sports as a significant economic sector capable of generating employment and attracting investment, preventing talented athletes from seeking opportunities abroad.

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For too long, many of our gifted athletes have sought opportunities abroad because we lacked a structured system that combines education with elite sports development. N-SEEP changes that narrative.