In a bid to reposition school sports as a catalyst for sustainable development, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, has underscored the critical role of structured extracurricular activities in shaping students’ futures.
“There is no better incubation ground, sports identification, and recognition platform than a well-managed and coordinated school environment,” Fatodu stated.
“We understand the importance of these extracurricular activities in shaping students’ future and making them well-rounded individuals.”
His remarks came during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. Fatodu, who led a delegation from the LSSC, stressed that a seamless collaboration between the Sports Commission and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is crucial for knowledge-sharing and the creation of better opportunities for young talents in schools.
According to the LSSC boss, the synergy between education and sports should be seen as complementary rather than conflicting. He emphasized that when properly structured, students can excel academically while simultaneously developing valuable sports-related skills.
Fatodu further highlighted the need to harness key elements within the sports ecosystem to provide student-athletes with opportunities to refine their talents. He pointed out that by reinforcing this partnership, Lagos could reclaim the lost glory of school sports, ensuring students have multiple career pathways across diverse disciplines.
Commissioner Jamiu Ali-Balogun, in his response, echoed the importance of sports as a viable career option, noting that it presents significant opportunities for students’ long-term success. “To effectively nurture talent in schools, the Ministry and the Sports Commission must collaborate to accelerate sustainable development through co-curricular activities,” he asserted.
With the push for increased collaboration, stakeholders in Lagos State’s educational and sports sectors are poised to develop policies and programs that will revitalize school sports. The goal is clear: to create a sustainable ecosystem where young athletes thrive while receiving a well-rounded education.
