FCT-UBEB FLAGS OFF DISTRIBUTION OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT TO SCHOOLS

…charges schools to utilise the equipment

By: Prudence Okonna and Rukaiya Mohammed

The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) has flagged off the distribution of sporting equipment to schools across the six Area Councils of the FCT, reaffirming its commitment to promoting sports as a critical component of holistic education.

Speaking during the ceremony held on Wednesday, 17th June, 2026, under the 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Action Plan, the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-UBEB, Florence Wenegieme, declared that the FCT remains committed to excellence in sports and youth development.

“FCT will never lose; we will always be champions at all times, expressing confidence that the territory will continue to excel in national sporting competitions.” She said.

Wenegieme described the event as a landmark intervention, noting that such a public distribution of sports equipment had not occurred in the FCT in many years. She commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its unwavering support towards the development of basic education and school sports.

According to her, education goes beyond academic achievement and must include co-curricular activities that help develop healthy, responsible, 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.

She emphasised that sports remain one of the most important co-curricular activities in schools because they promote physical fitness, teamwork, resilience, discipline and sportsmanship among learners.

The Chairman explained that the first phase of the distribution would benefit over 60 schools, describing it as a prototype exercise ahead of larger distributions under the 2025 and 2026 Action Plans.

She assured stakeholders that adequate monitoring mechanisms had been established to ensure effective utilization and maintenance of the equipment. According to her, sports desk officers, directors, school administrators, sports coordinators and student clubs would play active roles in monitoring the materials.

The theme of the programme, “Sports for Change: Building Healthy Bodies, Disciplined Minds, and United Teams,” underscores the role of sports in fostering 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 tool for education and development.

Quoting the United Nations, he noted that sports teach values such as cooperation, discipline, 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.

Dr. Orifah added that the sporting materials being distributed would strengthen sporting activities across schools, encourage wider participation among learners and contribute to safer, healthier and more inclusive learning environments.

He also appreciated the support of UBEC and the leadership of FCT-UBEB for prioritising the holistic development of learners.

Representing the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Deputy Director of Academic Services, Dr Lydia Gbagi, revealed that the Commission had increased funding allocation for school sports from one per cent to two per cent due to the impressive results recorded nationwide.

According to her, the expanded funding will enable more schools and learners to participate in sporting activities and competitions.

She disclosed that schools that perform exceptionally well during UBEC-organised competitions are sponsored to represent Nigeria at international 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 said.

Dr. Gbagi further explained that every State Universal Basic Education Board and the FCT-UBEB are entitled to access the two per cent sports allocation through the matching grants fund for sports development.

She therefore charged school masters to utilise and maximise the sporting equipment and not store it.

Also speaking, Vice President II, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), FCT Chapter, and Principal of Junior Secondary School, Zuba, Dr Jimo Sunday, commended UBEC and FCT-UBEB for investing in the psychomotor aspect of education.

He noted that education encompasses cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains, stressing that many learners who may not excel academically possess exceptional sporting talents that can shape successful careers.

“Every child can’t excel in the classroom, but some are gifted boys and girls who can go a long way through sports,” he said.