NAPHERSD condemns misuse of intramural sports time for fashion parade in Nigerian schools
The Nigeria Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHERSD) has strongly condemned the inappropriate use of time officially allocated for intramural sports activities for the hosting of a fashion parade in some schools across the country.
A statement issued by the body and signed by it’s Secretary General Dr. Franz Atare, the Federation said that the act represents a clear violation of the fundamental objectives of intramural sports, which are designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition among students noting that Intramural periods are not just recreational breaks; they are structured for purposeful activities that contribute significantly to the all round development of learners.
According to him, the substitution of these vital sessions with unrelated, non-sporting events such as fashion shows is not only unacceptable but also undermines the essence of physical education in our school system and It sends the wrong message about the value of sport and physical wellness in nation-building and youth development.
The association said that by the statement , it is issuing a stern warning to all school administrators, Games Masters/Sports Officers, and student bodies across Nigeria to desist from such practices positing that henceforth, schools are advised to adhere strictly to educational curriculum and respect the integrity of physical education and sports programmes.
It also called on relevant educational authorities, Federal, State, Local Government, private, or public schools to sanction those who violate the use of physical education and sports time in their school for other purposes. .
Finally , NAPHERSD said it remains committed to the advancement of physical and health education in Nigeria and will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that sports regain and retain their rightful place in the nation’s educational framework.
