The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has expressed the ministry’s commitment to revive sports in tertiary institutions as part of efforts to foster national unity.
Alausa made the statement in Abuja on Friday while receiving awards from the ministry’s sports club following the 43rd edition of the Annual Public Service Games.
The awards presented to him included five gold medals, five silver medals, four bronze medals, and two trophies.
Alausa revealed that a bilateral committee had been established to rejuvenate sports in tertiary institutions, emphasising its role in unity-building.
He further highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent in sports, assuring the team of his full support.
“On behalf of the ministry and at the presidential level, you will receive the best support.
“With the backing and budgetary allocation provided by President Bola Tinubu for sports development, we are reviving tertiary institution games on a larger scale, including NUGA, NIPOGA, NICEGA, and the principal cups for our unity schools,” Alausa said.
He also mentioned that the committee, which includes directors from university education, federal polytechnics education, and college education, would help design the games.
In addition, President Tinubu has approved funding for the purchase of six Outside Broadcast (OB) vans to aid in the revival of these events.
Charles Muibi, Welfare Officer of the Federal Ministry of Education Sports Club, called for the recruitment of younger individuals into the club, noting that many of the current players were aging.
“Our players, like me, have been playing for 15 years. Unlike other ministries, we need to recruit younger players, particularly those under grade level seven, to strengthen the team and ensure we finish first in the next competition,” Muibi said.
Similarly, the ministry’s Sports Manager, Alli Tajudeen, reassured the Minister of the club’s determination to secure more awards in future competitions.
“This is just the beginning. With the support from our management and the minister, we are confident of doing better next time,” he said.
The event also featured the presentation of six awards won by the Servicom unit of the ministry.
These included the Best Performing Ministerial Servicom Unit (MSU), Best Performing Nodal Officer, Best Performing MSU Desk Officer, and Most Innovative MSU awards.
Additionally, the awards recognised the Best Supporting CEO and Servicom Compliant MDA.(NAN)
