The drive to strengthen grassroots sports development in Nigeria received another major boost as the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Olympic Committee, commenced a three-day capacity-building programme for Physical and Health Education (PHE) teachers in Kano State.
The initiative, sponsored by Olympic Solidarity, is aimed at equipping teachers with modern knowledge and practical skills needed to identify and nurture sporting talents from the grassroots level.
Held at Government Girls College Dala, the programme has drawn over 100 PHE teachers from across Kano State.
Participants are receiving intensive training in Olympic Values Education (OVEP), sports psychology, coaching techniques, sports science, talent identification, and athlete development.
The OVEP initiative, developed by the International Olympic Committee, promotes the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect through sports and classroom activities.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, NSSF President Olabisi Joseph described the programme as a critical investment in the future of Nigerian sports.
“Everything starts from school. If we want Nigeria to produce world-class athletes, we must start with world-class teachers,” she stated.
Joseph noted that the training would empower teachers to discover young talents, build students’ character, and develop engaging sporting strategies capable of inspiring excellence among pupils.
She also appreciated the support of the Nigeria Olympic Committee under the leadership of Habu Gumel, while commending the Kano State Government and residents for hosting the programme.
Leading the training session is IOC-certified expert Abiodun Morofolu, alongside other notable resource persons including Musa Garba Yakasai of Bayero University Kano, who also serves as Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigerian Universities Games Association.
Also addressing participants, NOC OVEP Programme Coordinator Kemi Obidahunsi encouraged teachers to apply the lessons learned and continuously improve their skills in order to positively influence students through sports.
Some participants expressed appreciation to the organisers and sponsors for their commitment to sports development at the grassroots level, pledging to replicate the knowledge gained in their various schools.
The Kano training is part of a nationwide programme targeted at transforming school sports delivery across Nigeria, with similar workshops scheduled to be held later this month in Bayelsa State and Lagos State.
