HISTORY OF PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Last Updated: August 28th, 2023

Physical and health education is an integral part of general education that aims to develop an individual physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. It consist of sports and games, recreation, first aid, safety education, sports psychology, exercise physiology, sports administration and management, among others. In ancient times, physical education in Nigeria was unstructured and it included physical activities for hunting in search for food. However, some traditional games were also played during this time. An example is dambe (traditional boxing), Kokawa (Traditional wrestling), among others.

Students Participating In Sports in a Nigerian School

An examination of the research endeavors of Nigerian physical and health educators reveals that substantial scholarly efforts in these fields only commenced in the late sixties and early seventies. Initially, research primarily focused on the history and administration of sports and physical education in Nigeria. In recent times, however, there has been a shift among physical and health educators in Nigeria towards a more scientific exploration of sports performance, physical fitness, and healthy living.

Between 1842 and 1882, the introduction of Western literary education by missionaries in Nigeria lacked a standardized curriculum, with no emphasis on physical training. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 formed Nigeria as a nation, and it gained full independence in 1960 as a federation with three regions. Presently, Nigeria consists of 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory, with a population of 162 million people.

The arrival of missionaries and colonial administrators from Britain and America introduced sports and games to schools, police, and the army. However, the development of these activities was primarily confined to the police and military to enhance the physical fitness of law enforcement officers. The first physical education syllabus was implemented in Nigerian schools in 1918, and subsequent revisions occurred in 1927 and 1933. The 1933 syllabus focused on the overall health benefits of physical education. In 1956, the first indigenous PE syllabus for primary schools was published, and PE became compulsory in all primary schools in Nigeria. The 1933 syllabus was abolished in 1954 and replaced by the Ministry of Education in 1955. Since then, the PE syllabus has undergone reviews to enhance quality delivery.

The establishment of the University of Nigeria in 1960 marked a significant milestone, as it was the first university in Africa to offer an undergraduate program in Health and Physical Education (HPE). The formulation of the National Policy on Education in 1977 endorsed physical education as an instructional subject in schools, further solidifying its inclusion in the school certificate curriculum. Subsequent editions of the policy in 1981, 1998, and 2004 reflected changes in social dynamics and policy innovations.

Despite these advancements, there is a gap in the implementation of quality physical education and sports in public schools. To address this gap, parents who can afford high school fees often enroll their children in private schools where the curriculum emphasizes the holistic development of the child, including physical, emotional, psychological, and intellectual aspects, in accordance with the National Policy on Education.

Pioneers of Physical Education in Nigeria
Physical education pioneers include the following outstanding individuals;
1. Jerry Enyeazu (Coached the Nigerian Athletics team at the 1956 Olympics)
2. H. J. Ekperigin (Started the Development of Track and Field sports in Nigeria and he is regarded as the father of Physical Education in Nigeria)
3. Isaac Akioye: (Former director general of the National Sports Commission in Nigeria)
4. Prof. M. O. Ajisafe (The first Professor of Sports Science and Physical Education in Nigeria)
5. Prof. Mrs. P. B. Ikulayo (The first Professor of Sports Psychology in Nigeria)

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References

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Ajala, J. A., Amusa, L. O. & Sohi, A. S. (1999). Physical Education. Nigeria: Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited.Association of International Schools in Africa

Fessler , N, Knoll M. & G. Stibble, k, (2010). Development and transition in physical education an overview of German speaking publication 2008-2009.International Journal of Physical Education a Review Publication Volume XLVII, Issue 3, 3^rd Quarter 2010 page 2

Hardman, K, (2011). Recent international initiatives and developments in Physical Education and related areas of youth sport, physical activity, health and fitness. International Journal of Physical Education. A review of publication.Vol. XLVIII(3) 3 , pp15-30.

Iganugo, V.C & Otinwa, G.O. (2009, March). Raising the standard and quality of teaching, research and community service through health, physical education, recreation,sports and dance in Africa. Paper presented during the 2009 International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance Forum, held at Convention Centre, Tampa, Florida, USA.

Ladani, B.A.(1988). Developmental trend in the preparation of physical education specialists in Nigeria. Journal of Physical Education Health Education and Recreation. Vol. 1(1).121- 132.

Musa, D I. & Williams, C. A. (2012). Cardio respiratory fitness, fatness, and bloodpressure associations in Nigerian youth. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 1974-1985.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (2001). Physical education is critical to a complete education [Position statement]. Reston, VA: Author.

Onifade, A. (2001). History of physical education in Nigeria. Nigeria: Ziklag Educational Publishers.

Otinwa, G. O. (2012). African perspectives on physical education and sports. The Global Journal of Health and Physical Education Pedagogy. Vol. 1(1) 42 – 49.

Also Read: History of Health Education in Nigeria 

How to Reference this article

Ademola, V. D (2018). History of physical and health education in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.youdread.com/2018/08/ History-of-physical-and-health-education-in-Nigeria.html