Stakeholders in Nigerian golf have called for the integration of golf into the country’s school and university curricula as part of efforts to promote grassroots development, discover young talents and ensure the sustainable growth of the sport.
The call formed part of the resolutions of the second Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) Stakeholders’ Summit, held in Abuja with the theme, “Finding the Fairway: Sustainable Growth and Youth Development.”
The summit brought together representatives from more than 46 golf clubs, including club captains, administrators, professional golfers, sponsors and other stakeholders.
The summit, led by the President of the NGF, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, focused on governance, international standards, youth development, infrastructure, sponsorship, professionalism, integrity and the future of golf in Nigeria.
Runsewe urged stakeholders to move beyond tournaments and competitions and adopt a coordinated approach capable of positioning Nigerian golf in line with international standards and best practices.
The summit also identified youth development as a critical pillar of the sport, stressing that young Nigerians must be given affordable opportunities to learn, participate and progress from grassroots golf to national and international competition.
To achieve this, delegates proposed that the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) should review the Physical and Health Education curriculum in primary and junior secondary schools to introduce golf under a proposed category of “Target and Precision Sports.”
The stakeholders also recommended the adoption of modified golf equipment, including Short Golf and SNAG equipment, to enable children to learn basic golf skills in schools without requiring conventional golf courses.
They further called for teacher-training programmes to equip Physical and Health Education teachers with basic golf instruction skills, while the National Sports Commission was urged to include golf as a medal event in the National School Sports Festival.
At the tertiary level, the summit proposed collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) to integrate golf into university programmes and competitions.
The delegates said university golf could promote physical fitness, discipline, integrity, strategic thinking and entrepreneurship while opening career opportunities in sports management, tourism, hospitality, golf instruction and administration.
The summit noted that some Nigerian institutions, including the University of Ilesa and Obafemi Awolowo University, already have golf facilities, while other institutions are developing facilities to encourage participation.
On governance, the stakeholders called on golf clubs to strengthen their bylaws and administrative structures while ensuring compliance with NGF regulations and international standards, including the World Handicap System.
They also expressed concern over the abuse of sponsorship opportunities and called for stronger accountability and sanctions where necessary to protect sponsors and sustain confidence in the sport.
The summit reaffirmed the NGF as the national body responsible for governing and regulating golf in Nigeria and urged clubs and golfers to comply with its rules and registration requirements.
It also called for at least one major Open Championship annually by affiliated clubs, alongside dedicated junior and ladies’ competitions, with attendance and participation communicated to the Federation.
The stakeholders further recommended increased investment in golf infrastructure, junior sponsorship, insurance and welfare programmes, digital administration and private-sector partnerships.
They urged greater collaboration between the NGF, government, state governments, private investors and golf clubs to develop modern, accessible and environmentally sustainable golf facilities.
The summit also encouraged the NGF President to undertake annual visits to golf clubs and states to strengthen relationships, promote the sport and attract greater government and private-sector support.
The NGF has described the summit as part of its broader effort to establish a stronger and more sustainable pathway for Nigerian golf.
The Second Edition of the Nigeria Golf Federation Stakeholders’ Summit was formally declared open by Mister Lawal Garba, Chairman/CEO, Trobell Nigeria Limited, who commended the President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, for sustaining the organisation of the Summit.
Mister Garba encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the event to develop practical strategies that would improve golf infrastructure, expand grassroots participation, strengthen coaching and officiating, as well as encourage greater participation of women and youths in the sport.
The occasion was also graced by other top personalities who delivered goodwill messages and lent their support to the development of golf in Nigeria.
Among those present were former Governor of Plateau State Senator Simon Lalong, His Royal Highness, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, former Senate Leader, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, and Mister Tony Philemon, Director of the PGA.
Their presence and goodwill further underscored the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, golf administrators, professionals and other stakeholders in building a stronger future for Nigerian golf.
