Former Nigerian long jumper and sports administrator, Yusuf Alli, has identified the absence of a structured collegiate sports system as a major obstacle to the country’s athletic growth.

Alli made this remark after his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of a newly formed 13-member committee tasked with creating elite athletes and ensuring their welfare and motivation to excel at major international championships.

Speaking on the state of sports development, Alli emphasized the need for a system that allows young athletes to balance education and competitive sports. 

“The absence of a collegiate system is one of our biggest challenges. In developed countries, student-athletes can excel in both academics and sports, but here, they are often forced to choose one,” he said.

He called for deliberate policies that would integrate sports into the education system, ensuring scholarships and proper training facilities for student-athletes. 

“We need a system that nurtures young talents while securing their future. A strong collegiate structure will not only produce top athletes but also equip them with an education beyond sports,” Alli added.

The 13-member committee is led by Yusuf Alli as Chief Executive Officer, with Bambo Akanni serving as a consultant and Prof. Ken Anugweje as an adviser. 

Other members include Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, Mallam Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun, Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi, Mary Onyali, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, Sunday Odebode, Olalekan Alabi, and Bamiduro Olumide, who serves as the secretary.

With this initiative, the board aims to bridge the gap in athlete development and create a structured pathway for Nigerian sports talents.