Nigeria Sport Commission secures scholarship partnership with Hungarian university 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has secured a special scholarship partnership with the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) to provide academic opportunities for Nigerian athletes.

This agreement was finalized during a strategic engagement meeting at the NSC headquarters in Abuja between NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, Deputy Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria Kristof Korosi and Director of Sports at MATE Lakner Zoltan.

As part of the collaboration which was brokered by the Hungarian Embassy, MATE will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programs, specifically designed to accommodate athletes’ schedules, ensuring they can pursue higher education while continuing their training and competitive commitments.

Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko emphasized that this initiative aligns with the NSC’s school sports development programs and the broader Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE)

“This partnership is a game-changer for Nigerian sports. It ensures that our athletes not only excel in their sporting careers but also secure a strong academic foundation for life beyond sports”, he stated.

The Hungarian government has already signed a scholarship agreement with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering 100 scholarships to Nigerian students annually. This new NSC-MATE partnership provides additional opportunities of a minimum of 30 scholarships annually specifically for Nigerian athletes, reinforcing Hungary’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youth.

NSC Director-General Hon. Olopade highlighted that education remains a crucial pillar in the Commission’s efforts to develop young athletes.

Hungary has long been a welcoming destination for Nigerians, with a thriving Nigerian community. During the Ukraine crisis, Hungary played a key role in absorbing displaced Nigerian students, further demonstrating its strong ties with Nigeria.

Deputy Ambassador Kristof Korosi reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to fostering educational and sports exchanges, emphasizing that this initiative will provide Nigerian athletes with access to world-class academic and sports facilities.

This partnership complements the NSC’s school sports initiatives, ensuring that talented Nigerian athletes can develop academically and professionally while competing at the highest levels.

The meeting agreed a clear roadmap for the conclusion and activation of the scholarships accordingly among other projects of mutual interest