The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with Fembem Sports International Limited, has launched the NextPro Inter-Secondary Schools Football Competition, aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents across the state.
The initiative, unveiled at a press conference in Ibadan, is being organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, with support from Rotary Club Nigeria and the Red Cross.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Fembem Sports International, Coach Femi Olatunji, said the competition was conceived as a way of giving back to society and providing opportunities for young people to pursue their football dreams.
“Many talented children only need a platform to showcase their ability. This tournament will help identify such talents, nurture them, and prepare them for professionalism. It is also about combining sports with academics so they can compete globally,” Olatunji said.
He outlined four key focus areas of the partnership: talent identification, holistic development programs, international exposure through cultural and educational exchange, career management planning for young athletes, and coaching education for school sports teachers.
Chairman of Fembem Sports International, Hon. Kunle Olatunji, emphasised the importance of merit-based sports development in Nigeria, lamenting that lack of structure and planning had hindered the nation’s progress.
“In Europe, football is based purely on merit. For every child that has the capacity, merit is very critical. We do not compromise merit in Fembem, and we want Oyo State to serve as a model for others by showing that things can be done differently,” he said.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola, the Director of Secondary Schools, Mrs. Folashade Aremu, commended the initiative and assured the state’s support for the program.
“Education in today’s world goes beyond the classroom. With platforms like this, our students will have the opportunity to develop their skills both in academics and sports. The Ministry is fully committed to supporting this laudable program,” she said.
Twelve secondary schools have been selected to participate in the maiden edition of the competition. They are: Government College, Ibadan; Army Day Grammar School; Ojoo High School; Loyola Grammar School; Abadina College; Bishop Philip Academy; Ibadan Grammar School; Liberty Academy; Monatan High School; St. Michael, Omi-Adio; Nawarudeen Grammar School; and TL Oyesina School.
All matches will be played at Bishop Philip Academy School Field, Iwo Road, with the opening game featuring Bishop Philip Academy against Loyola College.
Dignitaries present at the press conference included former General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Mr. Gboyega Makinde; Deacon Samuel Olatunji; Mr. Sunday Akinosun, Director of School Sports; and Apostle Dare Ojo, representative of the Red Cross, among others.
The organisers expressed confidence that the NextPro Inter-Secondary Schools Football Competition will not only produce future stars for Nigeria but also promote discipline, academic excellence, and global competitiveness among Oyo State students.
