By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu – The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, has said that the Federal Government would set-up sports clubs in schools in the country to catch-them-young with school-based grassroots sporting activities.
Anwukah disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu at the ongoing Federal Government Colleges’ Games (FEDCOL), tagged: “Enugu 2016.’’
He noted that the ministry just-concluded a stakeholders’ meeting for the planning and development of the guidelines for the establishment and management of sports clubs in schools.
“It is believed that `Rhythm and Play’ will provide young Nigerians (under the age of 17) with structured programme that uses sports and plays as critical tools for learning.
“It is also believed that more talented kids among school learners will be identified through this means.
“The use of music and dance to attract students into sports participation will arouse their interest in choosing physical education as a career,’’ he said.
He said that the ministry was committed to school sports development; adding that it would continuously support the building of teachers’ capacity to enhance the teaching and learning of Physical and Health Education.
“I am pleased to inform you that the West African Examinations Council(WAEC) commenced the practical examination of Physical Education during the 2015/2016 academic session. The National Examination Council (NECO) started the implementation since 2008.
“These initiatives are geared toward ensuring that the young ones are exposed to practical skills and demonstrable knowledge and competences of the games.’’
Anwukah disclosed that the ministry, in collaboration with its stakeholders – British Council, UNICEF and others – had developed a National Physical Education and Schools Sports Policy and its Implementation Guidelines.
“The purpose of this policy is to provide an organised systematic programme of physical education; sports knowledge activities and experiences for pupils and students in the nursery, basic and secondary schools to enable an enriched participation in sports at the higher education level.’’
NAN recalls that 104 unity schools are taking part in the Games billed to last between Dec. 12 and Dec. 17.