FCT-UBEB Flags Off Distribution of Sporting Equipment to Schools, Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Development

The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) has commenced the distribution of sporting equipment to public schools across the six Area Councils of the FCT, in a landmark move aimed at strengthening sports development and nurturing future champions.  The distribution ceremony, held on Wednesday under the 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Action Plan, was led by the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-UBEB, Lady Florence Wenegieme, who reaffirmed the Board's unwavering commitment to promoting sports as an integral component of quality basic education.

Addressing stakeholders, school administrators, sports coordinators and learners, Wenegieme declared that the FCT would continue to maintain its reputation as a powerhouse in school sports and youth development.
"FCT will never lose; we will always be champions at all times," she stated confidently, expressing optimism that the territory would continue to excel in national and international sporting competitions.

Describing the exercise as a historic intervention, the Acting Executive Chairman noted that such a Public distribution of sporting equipment had not taken place in the FCT for many years. She commended UBEC for its sustained support and strategic investments in basic education and school sports development.

According to her, education extends beyond classroom learning and examinations, emphasizing that co-curricular activities such as sports play a vital role in producing healthy, disciplined and productive citizens.

"One of the greatest responsibilities of any progressive education system is to prepare young people not only academically but also to become responsible citizens, leaders and contributors to national development," she said.
Wenegieme stressed that sports remain one of the most effective tools for developing physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, resilience and sportsmanship among learners. She disclosed that the first phase of the distribution would benefit more than 60 schools, serving as a pilot initiative ahead of larger interventions planned under the 2025 and 2026 Action Plans.

To ensure sustainability, she revealed that comprehensive monitoring mechanisms had been established to guarantee proper utilization and maintenance of the equipment. Sports desk officers, directors, school administrators, sports coordinators and student clubs, she said, would work together to monitor usage and prevent the equipment from being left idle in storage facilities.

The programme, themed "Sports for Change: Building Healthy Bodies, Disciplined Minds, and United Teams," underscores the role of sports in shaping character, promoting social cohesion and encouraging positive behavioural change among learners.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Junior School Services, FCT-UBEB, Dr. Victor Orifah, described sports as a powerful instrument for education and development. Quoting the United Nations, he noted that sports instill important values such as discipline, cooperation, self-confidence and respect for others.

"Sports do far more than produce athletes; they build character, nurture leadership, promote teamwork, strengthen resilience and foster social cohesion," he said.
He added that the equipment would significantly enhance sporting activities in schools, encourage wider participation among learners and contribute to safer, healthier and more inclusive learning environments.
Representing the Executive Secretary of UBEC, the Deputy Director of Academic Services, Dr. Lydia Gbagi, announced that the Commission had increased the allocation for school sports development from one per cent to two per cent following impressive performances recorded across the country.

She explained that the increased funding would expand opportunities for schools and learners to participate in sporting activities and competitions.
"We want to catch them young. We want to have replacements for our ageing athletes at the national level and build a complete child, not a one-track child," she stated.
Dr. Gbagi further disclosed that schools that excel in UBEC-organised competitions are sponsored to represent Nigeria at international sporting events, creating pathways for young talents to achieve global recognition.
Also speaking, Vice President II of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), FCT Chapter, and Principal of Junior Secondary School, Zuba, Dr. Jimo Abiodun commended UBEC and FCT-UBEB for investing in the psychomotor dimension of education.

He emphasized that education encompasses cognitive, affective and psychomotor development, noting that many learners possess exceptional sporting talents capable of transforming their lives and contributing meaningfully to society.
"Every child can't excel in the classroom, but some are gifted boys and girls who can go a long way through sports," he remarked.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Sports Desk and benefiting schools, Mr. Everest Kasabane, Games Master, JSS Baupma, Bwari Area Council, expressed profound appreciation to the Acting Executive Chairman and the management of FCT-UBEB for the intervention.

He described the donation as a demonstration of genuine commitment to the health, talents and future of FCT learners, pledging that schools would make effective use of the equipment.
Kasabane assured the Board that sports coordinators and school administrators would work diligently to ensure the materials are fully utilized to develop talents and promote sporting excellence rather than being stored away.

By Ossai Patience