Ibrahim Hassan, a former director of sports at Bauchi State Sports Council, has advised the state government to improve funding of extracurricular activities for secondary school students to avert crime.

Mr Hassan gave the advice in an interview with journalists on Monday in Bauchi, saying that extracurricular activities kept the youths occupied, thereby reducing crime among them. 

“Sport is increasingly being relied upon as a mechanism to promote peace in many societies,” said Mr Hassan. “Not only do sports provide an opportunity for personal growth, but they also promote positive energy and change within communities.”

He noted that the high unemployment rate and crime among youths in the state had become alarming and worrisome. 

Mr Hassan explained that sports offered a promising opportunity for youths not to become tools for crime and violence but tools to build peace.

“Therefore, it is essential to provide the youths with an opportunity to divert from crime, violence and drugs, which are so endemic in some communities,” Mr Hassan stressed. 

Furthermore, he urged the government to make it mandatory for all secondary school students to have access to at least two hours of extracurricular activity per week.

“Access to sport improves academic prospects, builds confidence, improves mental health and reduces crime among young people. 

“Sports interventions reduce the rate of offences by 52 per cent and increase the achievement of pupils’ numeracy skills by 29 per cent,” he said.

Also, Mr Hassan advocated for a review of existing coaching qualifications to ensure fitness.

He, however, urged the government to ensure all children had equal access to quality sports and physical education in and out of school.

(NAN)