Dr. Bankole calls for urgent revamp of Nigerian sports, suggests return of National Sports Commission
Following Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Dr. Paul Bankole has urged the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, to re-establish the National Sports Commission. He believes this step will revitalize sports in Nigeria.
In a letter titled “Save our Sports,” Dr. Bankole highlighted the current challenges of Nigerian sports. “Hon. Minister, you were right to acknowledge that the current sports structure in Nigeria is inadequate and obsolete,” he wrote.
“To restore our former glory, we need a functional system and structure, which can be achieved by reintroducing the National Sports Commission.”
Dr. Bankole suggested that Enoh should lead the commission as its Executive Chairman for three years.
This, he argued, would allow the minister to overhaul the system and bring in professionals to run sports in Nigeria as a business rather than a civil service.
“This change is essential if we are serious about taking Nigerian sports to the next level,” he added.
Beyond restructuring, Dr. Bankole stressed the importance of establishing national sports science institutes and high-performance centers across Nigeria.
He noted that the absence of such institutions is a significant reason for the country’s declining sports performance.
“Hon. Minister, Nigeria lacks a Sports Science Institute with researchers to drive innovations in sports through science, digital technology, and business,” he emphasized.
As a member of the Association of Sports Performance Centres, Dr. Bankole is well-versed in the role of sports science in achieving success.
“Superior performances in modern sports come from a combination of physiological, biomechanical, nutritional, and psychological factors,” he explained. “Countries that excel at the Olympics rely on proven scientific principles to prepare their athletes.”
Dr. Bankole expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects at the upcoming Paralympic Games and emphasized the importance of celebrating all athletes who represented the country in both the Olympics and Paralympics.
