BAUCHI PUSHES SCHOOL SPORTS TO CURB SOCIAL VICES

The Bauchi State Government has intensified its efforts to promote school sports as a strategic tool to curb social vices among youths, with a new initiative aimed at engaging students in various sporting activities across the state.

Governor Bala Mohammed announced the renewed focus on school sports on Friday during the commissioning of a newly renovated sports complex in Bauchi metropolis. He emphasised that sports have the potential to instil discipline, promote teamwork, and keep young people away from negative influences such as drug abuse and cultism.

“Sports is not just about physical fitness; it is a powerful tool for character building and social reorientation. We are using it to fight social vices and channel the energy of our youths towards positive endeavours,” the governor stated.

The state government has partnered with the Bauchi State Sports Council and the Ministry of Education to organise regular inter-school competitions, provide sports equipment to public schools, and train physical education teachers. Special programmes targeting out-of-school youths have also been included in the initiative.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Yakubu Abubakar, said the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for sports development. “We want to make Bauchi a hub for sports excellence while using it to address youth restiveness and other social challenges,” he noted.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that integrating sports into the school system will improve students’ health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Principals of secondary schools in the state have pledged full support for the programme.

The initiative is part of the broader Bauchi State Youth Empowerment Programme, which seeks to harness the potential of young people for the development of the state. The government has also promised to reward outstanding athletes and coaches to motivate greater participation.

As the state continues to battle various social challenges, the push for school sports is being seen as a proactive approach to building a more disciplined and productive youth population.