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In recent time, I have observed that so many primary and secondary schools in various parts of Nigeria have all sorts of fancy structures and amenities but lack sports facilities least of all a sports field! Most secondary schools have their premises completely tarred, showcasing flagrant disregard for sports and games. Inter-house sports competitions, which were the highlight of my secondary school experience, are so rare nowadays that I feel sorry for primary and secondary school students. School administrators are not only hostile towards sports; they seem to be hostile towards virtually every form of extracurricular activity. There is no reliable research output proffering any reasons for this trend, but some theories have attributed it to parental indifference, as many parents seem to consider sporting activities a waste of time or even dangerous. Some others suggest it is cost-related, where sports are not considered a worthy investment of limited resources. Philistinic governance may also be a factor, demonstrated by the derelict facilities in many public schools and the progressive enfeeblement of erstwhile sports renowned and reputable colleges and mission schools. In my opinion, pervasive obtuse reasoning and intellectual laziness of all key players, is a major contributing factor. Whatever the cause, it is highly unhealthy.
I understand that academic excellence is now more than ever, of premium importance, and I believe that education is paramount. However, I do not see the sense in keeping children in classrooms from 7 AM until 6 PM with a one-hour or less lunch break everyday of a full school term. It is unnecessary, as there are other productive activities that could be incorporated into school schedules for holistic development. Recently, I heard a popular TV host say that we need more scientists than sportsmen. That may be true. However, a potential scientist may indeed need sportsmanship to excel. First, sports (whether recreational or organized) breeds intense competition. In addition, it builds physical stamina, resilience, self-esteem, and improves cognitive function and mental alertness. It teaches children requisite life skills like teamwork, leadership, time management and patience. Furthermore, there are recent global initiatives encouraging increased physical activity as a health protection or longevity strategy.
When I was in secondary school, classes terminated at 2:20 PM, after which we had lunch and a compulsory siesta. Depending on what day of the week it was, we had afternoon ‘prep’ (for revision, I presume), sports activities, sanitation, literary or press-related activities, or some other social engagement. I know at least three women who obtained full scholarships to study in advanced countries, representing their universities in sporting events. Also, many of my secondary school colleagues ended up in prestigious university programs and are currently pursuing fulfilling careers or other rewarding life goals. So then, if school closed at 2:20 PM and we are doing well now, what exactly is the point of subjecting students to such undue rigor?
It is useful to point out that while education is indeed important, not everyone will require a tertiary education or fancy advanced degrees to succeed or attain fulfillment in life. So many people have other forms of talents, which the current education system will not enable them to exploit. As a matter of fact, this system will very likely, eclipse such talents. In sports, at the national and international level, we are already doing so badly. Consider for example, the spotty representation of Nigerian acts at the last Olympic games and how we can now only reminisce about our past football glory. Furthermore, research has associated sedentary lifestyle with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, colon cancer, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression, amongst other chronic diseases. It is worth mentioning that most students, when not in school, are not physically active either. Active travel is not an option for most Nigerians, and so getting around is most commonly by motorized transport as opposed to walking or cycling. In addition, virtual socializing is the trend and many young people have a tendency for excessive screen time- using phones, tablets or computers, playing video games or watching television, many times while lying down. All of these make the revival of sporting activities in schools even more urgent.
An arrangement where students sit for several hours studying, reading and forth clearly represents a major public health risk and should be re-evaluated. Overall, schools and parents should aim for balance, as an unhealthy commitment to sports may indeed translate into compromised academic performance. Government involvement and control is also necessary. Other possible interventions include, boosting other forms of physical activity not just among students but other members of the society such as ensuring safe and attractive environments for walking, promotion of stair use amongst others. Sports related injuries can be minimized by adopting certain strategies such as ensuring sports readiness, proper rest, hydration, nutrition and strength training. Organizations promoting positive youth engagement in sports are available and should be enabled. A balance between fun, physical fitness, wellbeing and lifelong lessons can be achieved, if the right people can adopt the right attitude.
Oluwadara Alegbeleye
Oluwadara is a writer as well as an academic researcher. She is currently a PhD student at the Department of Food Science, University of Campinas
