In a nation where sport unites people, fuels passion, and produces global champions, it is ironic that our universities still treat sport as a marginal teaching subject. The traditional approach—teaching Physical and Health Education (PHE) under the Faculty of Education—is outdated. It prepares students for roles as school instructors but leaves them ill-equipped for the growing, multidisciplinary opportunities that the global sport industry offers.
It is time to evolve. Nigerian universities must begin to establish full-fledged Faculties of Sports Science and Human Kinetics. This is not just an academic upgrade; it is an economic, developmental, and cultural necessity.
A bold step from the sports University of Nigeria
Located in Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State, the Sports University of Nigeria has shown vision by establishing a Faculty of Sports Science—a pioneering move in the country. It offers degree programmes that reflect the true nature of 21st-century sport: combining science, technology, business, communication, and wellness.
This private institution has taken the lead. But for real nationwide impact, our public universities must now rise to the challenge and replicate this forward-thinking model. Imagine the influence if University of Lagos, ABU Zaria, UNIBEN, or even state institutions like Dennis Osadebay University followed suit.
Sports is now a science-driven global industry
Across the world, sport is no longer just about play and performance. It is a science-led, data-informed, and professionally managed sector. Universities in the UK, Australia, South Africa, and the US have advanced faculties offering degrees in: Sport Science and Physiology, Sport Management and Marketing, Fitness and Wellness, Sport Analytics and Data Science, Sport Communication and Media, Sportwear and Equipment Design, E-sports and Digital Innovation.
In contrast, many Nigerian universities still offer PHE without laboratories, innovation hubs, or sport-specific career preparation. We must modernise.
Real careers, real impact
Nigerian youth need practical courses that lead to employability. Faculties of Sports Science will prepare them for careers as:
Sport event managers and facility directors, strength and conditioning coaches, performance analysts and biomechanists, sportwear technologists and designers, wellness coaches and rehab specialists, sports journalists and broadcasters and sport tourism entrepreneurs.
The outdated focus on lesson notes and school coaching cannot meet today’s demands. We need multidisciplinary, hands-on programmes tied to real economic sectors.
Aligning with national policy
In 2022, the Federal Government released the National Sports Industry Policy, which positions sport as a tool for economic growth, youth engagement, health promotion, and national unity. This policy can only succeed if academic institutions become its training grounds.
We need Nigerian universities that produce: sport researchers, certified professionals, sport tech innovators, Trainers and educators for the 21st century.
Without a dedicated faculty structure, this level of impact remains impossible.
Case study: Dennis Osadebay University can lead the way
Delta State, home to some of Nigeria’s finest athletes and sport victories, can strengthen its reputation by supporting the likes of Delta State University, Dennis Osadebay University to establish a Faculty of Sports Science and Human Kinetics. Such a faculty would house degrees in: Sport science and technology, fitness and wellness science, sportswear and equipment technology, sports management and event planning, sports communication and media, sport, tourism and recreation, physical and health education.
This will give the university both national relevance and global appeal.
Conclusion: Time for transformation
The message is clear: sport is no longer just physical—it is intellectual, technological, and entrepreneurial. Nigerian universities must recognise this reality and adapt by creating dedicated faculties that reflect today’s global standard.
The Sports University of Nigeria has blazed the trail. Our public institutions must now scale it for impact. Let our universities produce not just athletes and PE teachers, but scientists, analysts, entrepreneurs, broadcasters, and inventors in sport.
The time to act is now.
Odedede is state chairman of NAPHER-SD Delta State, and founder G-O(DE)3 Sports Consult.
