Impediments to effective implementation of sports policy in Nigeria schools

Abstract

A policy remains a mere intention if it is not implemented. Non-implementation policy is a serious problem in Nigeria. There is always a wide gap between policy formulation and policy implementation in Nigeria. What is written is not always what is practiced. This paper presents a theoretical review of barriers to effective implementation of sports policies in schools. This paper looked at1989 and 2009 Nigeria Sports Policy as they affect schools’ sports. It observed that the laudable policies have not been effectively implemented because of some government and institutional factors which reduce government policy on sport to a mere paper work. Some impediments to sports and physical education policy implementation in schools in Nigeria were examined. Some of the barriers highlighted in the paper included lack of collaboration between Ministry of sports and Ministry of Education; corruption, treatment of sport as a marginal programme in the school curriculum and many others. The paper recommended adequate funding of schools sports and suggested the need for effective collaboration between Ministries of Education and Sports at Federal and State levels.