Why Nigeria needs sports inclusive education system - Erikewe

PAUL Erikewe, the head coach of the nigeria Customs Football Club has advocated for sports inclusive education policy as an avenue to intensify the discovery and development of talents in the country.

Erikewe in an interview with Businessday at his Ikejalagos base said the education system in nigeria, especially at the primary and secondary school level does not give enough room for sports and education to thrive.

“We need an education system that allows athletes and children with passion for sports to be able to pursue their educational goals and sports passions without being forced to forfeit either for lack of proper structuring and a calendar that doesn’t accommodate both at the same time,” he said.

The national Institute of Sports (NIS) licensed coach shared his experience as a final year student at the hussey College, Warri in Delta State.

“In 1973, I was selected alongside my colleagues such as Thompson Usiyen, Paul Egbiri and one Lucky, who was our captain, to participate in the Mid-west academicals competition.

“But my principal did not allow me to go simply because it clashed with the school certificate examination (WAEC). I was devastated with grief, because I was forced to forgo my passion in the place of education; and this should not be in the first place,” he said.

In a similar narrative, In 1994 aina James, now a coach with the volley team of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) found himself in the middle of a big tussle between his studies and passion.

he was compelled to forfeit his dream of participating in the World University Games in California, USA because of his studies. James was a final year student of human Kinetics department in the institution in 1994, who desired to showcase his talents at the world stage but the education system on ground had no provision for such a combined quest.