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

The NSC said the agreement was finalized during a strategic engagement meeting with the 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.

The Chairman of NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Commission’s school sports development programmes 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.

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.

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