Senator Ned Nwoko (APC–Delta) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at combining educational and sporting opportunities for outstanding students from Delta North to study at the Sports University of Nigeria (SUN), Idumuje-Ugboko.
Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, said the initiative, tagged “Sports Meet Education,” is designed to harness the potential of youths in the district both academically and athletically.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, the senator explained that a total of 90 exceptional students 10 each from the nine local government areas in the district would benefit from the scheme.
Nwoko, who is also the Chancellor and Founder of the institution, said the beneficiaries would enjoy full tuition-free education and access to cutting-edge academic and sports programmes.
He added that the successful applicants would train in world-class sports facilities and have access to modern campus amenities, including 24-hour electricity, high-speed internet, safe accommodation, and a state-of-the-art sporting complex.
“This is not just financial assistance; it’s an investment in a generation that will marry academic excellence with athletic brilliance. We are producing ambassadors who will make Delta North and Nigeria proud,” Nwoko said.
According to him, the Sports University the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa offers accredited programmes in Mass Communication, Management and Social Sciences, Sports Science, Allied Health Sciences, Sciences, and Architecture.
“Applicants must have an impressive academic record and proven talent in at least one sport,” he said, noting that the first set of awardees, who will enjoy a full four-year scholarship, would resume studies in the current academic session.
He added that applications are now open via www.sportsuniversity.edu.ng, with further enquiries available via call or WhatsApp on +2349167177777 and +2349167066666, or by email at admissions@sportsuniversity.edu.ng and enquire@sportsuniversity.edu.ng.
Reaffirming his commitment to youth development, Nwoko emphasised that education and sports remain vital tools for empowering the next generation.
The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and is a member of the Senate Committee on Sports, also disclosed that he recently constructed and donated a modern mini stadium to the Issele-Uku community to promote grassroots sports development.
He said the newly completed facility features a modern football pitch, a seven-a-side multi-sports pitch, pavilions on both sides, and fully equipped dressing rooms.
“The project is expected to energise the local sports scene, providing a vibrant space for budding athletes and sports enthusiasts in Delta North and beyond,” he said.
To ensure equitable distribution of projects during his tenure, Nwoko said he had constructed solar-powered boreholes—already operational in Umunede (Ika North East) and Idumuje-Ugboko (Aniocha North).
On infrastructure, he revealed that he had secured ₦3.5 billion worth of projects for Delta North in the 2024 federal budget—the highest ever for the district.
“On youth empowerment, more than 2,000 youths have benefited from skill acquisition training and entrepreneurial boosts of ₦150,000 each, and for community development I have delivered solar-powered street lights, constructed town halls, renovated medical centres, and distributed transformers across Delta North communities.
“These efforts are all geared towards addressing critical issues like water supply, electricity, roads, education, employment, security, and environmental challenges in the district, as well as tackling key issues affecting my constituency,” he said.
