Nigeria’s Premier Sports University Project Stalls 4 Years After Establishment

Nigeria’s proposed Federal University of Sports in Nkalagu, Ebonyi State, remains in limbo four years after its establishment was approved by law, according to Prince Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concept.

In a statement, Jalla said the Federal Government has yet to take practical steps towards the take-off of the institution despite the enactment of the Federal University of Sports, Nkalagu Establishment Act, 2023.

The sports advocate noted that although the administration of President Bola Tinubu inherited the project, no management team or principal officers have been appointed to drive the university’s commencement.

He added that the Ebonyi State Government, under Governor Francis Nwifuru, had already demonstrated its support by providing the required parcel of land for the institution.

“The project remains in limbo despite the state government promptly making the needed land available,” Jalla said.

The university was formally created after former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the establishment bill into law on 26 May 2023.

According to Jalla, the Presidency had also approved steps for the university’s commencement. In a letter dated 23 July 2024 and referenced SH/COS/02/1/A/1405, the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, informed the Ministers of Education and Sports, as well as the Ebonyi State governor, that the President had authorised the commencement of the institution and the appointment of a governing council to facilitate its take-off.

Part of the letter read: “This is to inform you that the President has approved the commencement of the Federal University of Sports at Nkalagu, Ebonyi State, in line with the extant provisions of the Federal University of Sports, Nkalagu Establishment Act, 2023, and the appointment of a Governing Council to facilitate the take-off of the university.”

However, Jalla expressed concern that no visible progress has been made since the approval.

He called on President Tinubu to urgently implement the decision and ensure the university begins operations, stressing that the project could provide opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians seeking careers in sports.

Jalla said activating the institution would represent a significant step towards strengthening sports development and creating new pathways for the country’s youth to pursue professional careers in the sector.