The Nigeria Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHERSD) has called on the Federal Government to take decisive action against the growing trend of misusing intramural sports periods as fashion parades in Nigerian schools.
The association strongly condemned the practice, describing it as a gross misuse of time officially designated for physical education activities. It stated that this trend, observed in several schools across the country, undermines the core purpose of intramural sports, which is to promote physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition among students.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Franz Atare, Secretary-General of NAPHERSD, intramural sports sessions are not meant to be recreational fillers but structured, purposeful activities vital to the holistic development of learners.
The statement read in part:
“The substitution of these vital sessions with unrelated and non-sporting activities such as fashion shows is completely unacceptable. It diminishes the value of physical education in our school system and sends the wrong message about the importance of physical wellness in national development and youth empowerment.”
NAPHERSD issued a stern warning to school administrators, Games Masters, Sports Officers, and student bodies nationwide to cease such practices immediately. It urged schools to uphold the integrity of the educational curriculum by respecting the designated time for physical education and sports.
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“We call on all relevant educational authorities—federal, state, and local governments—as well as private and public institutions to sanction any school that misappropriated physical education periods for other purposes,” the association emphasized.
NAPHERSD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting physical and health education in Nigeria and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that sports maintain their rightful place within the national education system.
