The Federal Government has launched the National Sports and Education Excellence Programme, N-SEEP, a new initiative aimed at integrating quality education with elite sports development to nurture young talents and strengthen Nigeria’s sports sector.
The programme was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade.
As part of the initiative, nine tertiary institutions across the country have been selected as N-SEEP. The institutions will provide talented student-athletes with the opportunity to combine academic studies with world-class sports training.
The Federal Government said the programme is designed to create a structured pathway that allows young athletes to excel both in the classroom and on the field, while positioning sports as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment and national development.
According to the government, implementation will begin with four institutions in the first phase, while the remaining five centres will be activated in subsequent stages.
Under the initiative, each participating institution will establish a Faculty of Sports Science, offering internationally benchmarked academic programmes to train athletes and develop professionals across the sports value chain.
The programmes will produce coaches, sports scientists, physiotherapists, sports administrators and other specialists required to strengthen Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem and improve the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
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Speaking at the launch, Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building an education system that supports both academic excellence and talent development.
He said the initiative reflects the government’s determination to ensure that gifted young Nigerians can pursue higher education without sacrificing their sporting ambitions.
The minister noted that combining education with sports development would provide student-athletes with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed both during and after their sporting careers.
Also speaking, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko described the programme as a landmark intervention that aligns with the Commission’s vision of repositioning sports as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the initiative will transform sports into a viable economic sector capable of creating employment opportunities, attracting private investment and enhancing Nigeria’s international sporting profile.
He added that the establishment of specialized sports and education centres would also strengthen talent identification and long-term athlete development while ensuring young sportsmen and women receive quality education alongside professional training.
The N-SEEP is expected to provide a sustainable framework for producing future Nigerian champions while equipping them with academic qualifications and professional skills that will prepare them for life beyond active competition.
Sports Unlimited
