Ministry Of Education Reaffirms Commitment To Reviving Sports In Tertiary Education

Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa 
Minister of Education  

..... As Alausa underscores the Ministry’s commitment to revitalizing sports in tertiary institutions as a key strategy for fostering national unity and nurturing young talent.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, has stated that Sports play a pivotal role in building unity. This is as he also said that, with President Bola Tinubu’s budgetary support, we are reviving major tertiary sports events such as NUGA, NIPOGA, NICEGA, and the Principal cups for our Unity Schools.

The Minister, who underscored the Ministry’s commitment to revitalizing sports in tertiary institutions as a key strategy for fostering national unity and nurturing young talent, made this announcement in Abuja on Friday during an award presentation ceremony following the Federal Ministry of Education Sports Club's stellar performance at the 43rd edition of the Annual Public Service Games.

It could be recalled that the Ministry’s sports club earned an impressive haul of accolades, including five gold medals, five silver medals, four bronze medals, and two trophies. 

Receiving these awards, Dr. Alausa emphasized the Ministry's dedication to expanding sports programs, highlighting the establishment of a bilateral committee tasked with rejuvenating sports across tertiary institutions. 

The committee comprises Directors from University, Polytechnics, and Colleges of education, who will oversee the design and execution of these games. Additionally, President Bola Tinubu has approved funding for six Outside Broadcast (OB) vans to support the coverage and promotion of these events

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, at the event acknowledged Dr. Alausa’s transformative leadership, crediting it for the Ministry’s recent successes. 

He expressed appreciation for the dedication of the sports club and reflected on the motivational message delivered to the team before their departure for the competition, which fostered a sense of determination and confidence.

In the same vein Director Reforms, Dr. Yusuf Saeed, commended the Minister’s unwavering commitment, attributing the achievement of six prestigious awards, including Best-Performing Ministerial Service and Best Supporting Executive Officer, to his visionary leadership. He further emphasized the Ministry’s goal of attaining even greater milestones in the future, acknowledging the team’s total haul of 14 awards, including two trophies.

Speaking also Assistant Director, Charles Muibi highlighted the need to recruit younger players to sustain the club’s success, noting that many current players have been competing for over a decade. “With fresh talent and continued support, we are confident of even better results in the future,” Muibi said.

Similarly, Alli Tajudeen, the Ministry’s Sports Manager reassured the Minister of the club’s determination to achieve greater victories in upcoming competitions. 

The event concluded with the presentation of six additional awards won by the Servicom unit, further reflecting the Ministry’s culture of excellence and dedication to continuous improvement.

This is contained in a Press Statement signed and made available to the media by Folasade Boriowo, Director Press & PR of the Ministry of Education.