The Nigeria Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance ( NAPHER-SD), has condemned in strong terms the inappropriate use of time officially allocated to intramural sports (recreational sports) for staging fashion parade in some schools across the country.
In a statement issued by the National President of NAPHER-SD, Prof. Florence Adeyanju, the body claimed that the act is a clear violation of the fundamental objectives of intramural sports which are designed to promote physical fitness teamwork, discipline and healthy competition among students.
Stating that intramural periods are not just recreational breaks but are structured for purposeful activities that contribute significantly to the all-round development of learners.
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NAPHER-SD Herby issued a stern warning to all School administrators , Games Masters / Sports Officers and student bodies in Nigeria to desist from such practice henceforth as intramural sessions cannot be substituted with non-sporting activities like fashion shows.
Prof Adeyanju insists that such practice is unacceptable as it undermines the essence of physical education in our schools and sends wrong messages about the value of sport and physical wellness in nation building and youth development.
NAPHER-SD therefore call 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 for other purposes..
Prof Adeyanju concludes by stating it once again that NAPHER-SD is committed to the advancement of physical health education in Nigeria and will continue to work with the stakeholders to ensure that sports and physical education regain their rightful place in the nation’s educational firework.