By Mary Emeka
The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) has commenced the distribution of sporting equipment to schools across the six Area Councils of the FCT as part of efforts to strengthen sports development and promote holistic education among learners.
The distribution exercise, flagged off on Wednesday under the 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Action Plan, is expected to benefit more than 60 schools in its first phase.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-UBEB, Florence Wenegieme, said the initiative underscored the Board’s commitment to developing students beyond academics through sports and other co-curricular activities.
According to her, sports play a vital role in nurturing discipline, teamwork, resilience and healthy lifestyles among learners, while also helping to prepare them for leadership and national development.
She described the programme as a landmark intervention, noting that public distribution of sporting equipment to schools had not taken place in the FCT for several years. Wenegieme commended UBEC for its continued support towards the advancement of basic education and school sports.
The chairman expressed confidence in the FCT’s ability to maintain its strong performance in national sporting competitions, stressing that sports remain an important platform for discovering and nurturing young talents.
She disclosed that the current exercise serves as a prototype for larger distributions planned under the 2025 and 2026 Action Plans, adding that mechanisms had been put in place to ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of the equipment.
Wenegieme explained that sports desk officers, school administrators, sports coordinators and student clubs would be involved in monitoring the use of the materials to guarantee maximum impact.
Earlier, Director of Junior School Services, FCT-UBEB, Dr Victor Orifah, described sports as a powerful instrument for education and development, noting that it promotes values such as cooperation, discipline, self-confidence and respect for others.
He said the sporting materials would enhance participation in school sports, improve learners’ well-being and contribute to creating safer and more inclusive learning environments.
Representing the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Deputy Director of Academic Services, Dr Lydia Gbagi, revealed that the Commission had increased funding allocation for school sports from one per cent to two per cent following positive outcomes recorded across the country.
She explained that the additional funding would enable more schools and students to participate in sporting activities and competitions, while also providing opportunities for outstanding performers to represent Nigeria at international events.
Gbagi urged school authorities to make effective use of the equipment, stressing that the objective was to identify and develop young sporting talents capable of succeeding ageing national athletes.
Also speaking, Vice President II of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), FCT Chapter, Dr Jimo Sunday, commended UBEC and FCT-UBEB for investing in the psychomotor aspect of education.
He noted that while some students excel academically, others possess exceptional sporting abilities that can be developed into successful careers, adding that sports remain a critical component of comprehensive education.
The programme was held under the theme, “Sports for Change: Building Healthy Bodies, Disciplined Minds, and United Teams.”