Sports enthusiasts and scientists, education stakeholders, and former athletes are issuing a clarion call for Nigerian universities to prioritize the establishment of dedicated Faculties of Sport Science. This move, they argue, is critical to harnessing Nigeria’s vast but underdeveloped sporting talent, improving athlete performance, combating public health issues, and creating new economic pathways.
Despite producing world-class athletes across football, athletics, basketball, and more, Nigeria lacks the widespread, advanced academic infrastructure needed to systematically study, develop, and support sports excellence and physical well-being. Currently, sport-related studies are often fragmented within Departments of Physical and Health Education under Faculties of Education, limiting specialized focus, resources, and research output.
The Critical Need for Sport Science Faculties
1. Tackling Public Health Crises: Sport Scientists play a vital role in designing exercise programs to combat rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension through physical activity prescription.
2. Elevating Athletic Performance: Systematic training, advanced injury prevention/rehabilitation, nutrition, sports psychology, and biomechanics analysis – all core Sport Science disciplines – are essential for moving from raw talent to consistent world-beating performance.
3. Professionalizing Sports Management: Nigeria needs experts in sports administration, marketing, event management, and facility operations to develop the sports industry beyond just participation.
4. Economic Diversification & Job Creation: A thriving sports industry fuelled by experts creates jobs in coaching, therapy, management, events, media, and sports technology.
5. Evidence-Based Policy: Research from these faculties is crucial for informing government sports policy, talent identification programs, and grassroots development initiatives.
Leading the Charge: Nigerian Universities with Sport Science Faculties/Structures
For Godspower Odedede of The Guardian newspaper, he believes that Dennis Osadebay University, Delta State can lead the way. He stated that Delta State has produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes and sport victories. For him, establishing a sports science faculty in the school will solidify the State’s athletic reputation.
Let’s look at some few pioneering Nigerian universities that demonstrate the viability and impact of dedicated Sport Science structures:
1. University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT): Home to Nigeria’s most prominent Faculty of Sport Science. It offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs, driving research and producing graduates in various sports disciplines.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): UNN boasts a robust Department of Sport Science within its Faculty of Education. It’s a long-standing centre for sport science education and research in the East.
3. University of Ibadan (UI): Houses the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education (which encompasses core Sport Science elements) also within its Faculty of Education. A key player in academic sports research.
4. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU): Features a Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education under its Faculty of Education, providing significant sport science education in Northern Nigeria.
5. Lagos State University (LASU): Established a dedicated Faculty of Sport Sciences relatively recently, highlighting the growing recognition of the field’s importance. This faculty structure allows for deeper specialization.
Voices of Advocacy
Professor Adeola Williams, a renowned Exercise Physiologist, stated: “Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine of athletic talent. Without dedicated Faculties of Sport Science producing the necessary coaches, therapists, scientists, and managers, we are leaving medals and economic potential on the table. The examples of UNIPORT and LASU show it can be done; others must follow.”
Former Olympic medalist, Chioma Ajunwa, emphasized: “Modern sport is science. We need these faculties to ensure our athletes get the same level of scientific support as their international competitors, from injury recovery to peak performance strategies.”
The Bigger Picture
The National Universities Commission (NUC), Federal and State Governments, and university governing councils are urged to:
- Develop and approve standardized curricula for comprehensive Sport Science faculties.
- Allocate funding and infrastructure for specialized laboratories (biomechanics, physiology, nutrition) and sports facilities.
- Encourage partnerships with national sports federations, clubs, and international institutions.
- Prioritize research grants focused on Nigerian-specific sports challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion
Establishing Faculties of Sport Science across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity. It is an investment in national health, athletic glory, economic diversification, and youth development. The pioneering examples exist; the potential benefits are undeniable. The time for widespread adoption is now, ensuring Nigeria builds a sustainable pipeline of sport science professionals to propel the nation to the forefront of global sports and wellness.