Our reporter
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed the Bill for the creation of the Federal University of Sports in Afuze, located in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. The Bill, which had been eagerly anticipated, now awaits implementation following the crucial presidential assent.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, 11th February, by Professor Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, the Bill’s sponsor and a distinguished member of the National Assembly. Prof. Ihonvbere, who represents the Owan federal constituency, shared the good news following a discussion with a staff member at the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly in Abuja.
The Bill had previously received approval from both the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives, with only presidential assent remaining for it to become law. The long-anticipated approval represents a major milestone for the Owan sub-ethnic community, who have long advocated for such an institution to boost sports education and empower future generations in the region.
“This is a new dawn for the educational landscape of Edo State,” Professor Ihonvbere remarked in his statement made available to Uptown Press NG. “The creation of the Federal University of Sports in Afuze will not only elevate Nigeria’s sports industry but also empower young Nigerians in various specialised sports disciplines.”
The university will offer a range of programmes focused on sports administration, coaching, performance evaluation, and the various scientific fields related to physical fitness and sports medicine. Some of the courses to be offered include sports law, sports economy and business, physiotherapy, sports psychology, sports medicine, and sports architecture. This marks a notable step towards diversifying the nation’s higher education sector to include specialised sports training aimed at addressing the growing demands of the sector.
Professor Ihonvbere, a professor of Political Science and Political Economy, had consistently pushed for the establishment of the university, making several visits to President Tinubu, a longtime ally of the Iyase of Iuleland, with whom he shares a historical bond from the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) struggle during Nigeria’s military era.
Last week, Prof. Ihonvbere had expressed confidence that the Bill would soon be signed into law, and his optimism has now been realised. The Federal University of Sports in Afuze is expected to play a pivotal role in the training of professionals who will support the growth of sports in Nigeria and beyond.
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