Retired and other classes of Nigerian athletes have been given an opportunity to acquire knowledge that would keep them afloat when the curtain falls on their careers.

This is courtesy of an agreement signed by the National Sports Commission (NSC), and a Hungarian university, which both parties signed at the weekend.

According to the NSC, the deal, a special scholarship partnership with the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) is to provide academic opportunities for Nigerian athletes, and it was finalized during a strategic engagement meeting at the Commission’s headquarters, in Abuja.

At the meeting, the NSC, represented by its chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, agreed with the university delegation, led by Deputy Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria, Kristof Korosi, and Director of Sports at MATE, Lakner Zoltan, to offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programmes, specifically designed to accommodate athletes’ schedules, ensuring they can pursue higher education while continuing their training and competitive commitments.

Dikko emphasized that this initiative aligns with the NSC’s school sports development programme and the broader Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

“This partnership is a game-changer for Nigerian sports. It ensures that our athletes not only excel in their sporting careers but also secure a strong academic foundation for life beyond sports,” he stated.

The Hungarian delegation said that its government has already signed a scholarship agreement with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering 100 scholarships to Nigerian students yearly.

So, this new NSC-MATE partnership provides additional opportunities of a minimum of 30 scholarships yearly, specifically for Nigerian athletes, reinforcing Hungary’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youths.

At the meeting, Olopade highlighted that education remains a crucial pillar in the Commission’s efforts to develop young athletes.

Hungary has long been a welcoming destination for Nigerians, with a thriving Nigerian community. During the Ukraine crisis, Hungary played a key role in absorbing displaced Nigerian students, further demonstrating its strong ties with Nigeria.

Deputy Ambassador Kristof Korosi, reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to fostering educational and sports exchanges, emphasizing that this initiative will provide Nigerian athletes with access to world-class academic and sports facilities.

By Ernest Nzor, Abuja.