The Nasarawa State Government has prohibited the playing of football matches and other games within school premises, citing repeated damage to public facilities and school infrastructure. The directive was announced by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, during a bi-monthly press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists State Council Secretariat in Lafia on Monday, July 6.
Reason for the Ban
Ahemba stated that the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board had abolished the use of areas within school premises for football matches following repeated incidents of vandalism. “People come within the school premises and begin to play football, and by so doing, it causes damage to school facilities, including roofing and other infrastructure. That is what government has abolished,” he said.
Clarification on the Directive
The official clarified that the directive does not prevent pupils from using designated football pitches within their schools. “The school football pitch is there for pupils to play their own football, not inside the school premises as witnessed in most cases.” According to Ahemba, individuals and groups from outside the school community will no longer be allowed to use school premises for football and are instead expected to play at public stadiums. “People who come from outside the school to play are kindly required to go to the stadium and play their football there,” he said.
Alternative Venues Provided
He disclosed that the state government had awarded contracts last week for the construction of five mini-stadiums across Nasarawa to provide alternative venues for sporting activities. Ahemba also directed school heads to ensure strict compliance with the new policy, saying the measure is aimed at protecting school facilities from further damage.
