ABUJA — The Federal Government has unveiled a National Sports and Education Excellence Programme designed to combine academic education with elite sports development in selected Nigerian tertiary institutions. The initiative, known as N-SEEP, is being implemented jointly by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Sports Commission. The programme will establish specialised centres where talented young Nigerians can pursue academic programmes while receiving structured sports training. The first phase is expected to involve the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Federal College of Education, Okene and Babcock University. Other institutions listed for subsequent phases include the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Benin, the University of Jos, Muhammad Buhari University in Maiduguri and the Federal Polytechnic, Offa. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the programme was designed to address the longstanding challenge faced by young athletes who have had to choose between academic development and sporting careers. Under the initiative, students would be able to develop their sporting abilities while obtaining academic qualifications and professional skills. The programme is also expected to create training opportunities in areas beyond competitive sports, including sports science, coaching, sports medicine, rehabilitation, sports technology, data analytics, sports business, facility management, event management and sports administration. The National Sports Commission said it would work with participating institutions to strengthen sports infrastructure and professional training for coaches. Officials also said discussions were ongoing with international sporting organisations over possible accreditation of sports-related academic programmes. The government said the initiative would eventually extend beyond tertiary institutions, with plans for Sports Centres of Excellence in Unity Schools as well as state and private schools. The broader objective is to identify promising athletes early and provide them with a structured pathway through the education system. The programme comes amid continuing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's sports development system and reduce the loss of talented young athletes who lack access to facilities, coaching and sustainable career pathways. Officials said combining education and sports could also create opportunities in sports medicine, technology, media, administration and event management. The government said implementation would take place in phases as participating institutions prepare their facilities and programmes. The success of the initiative will depend on adequate funding, qualified personnel, appropriate facilities and transparent systems for identifying and supporting talented students.