The Nasarawa State Government has banned the playing of football matches and other games within school premises, citing repeated damage to public facilities and school property.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, announced the policy during a bi-monthly press briefing at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) State Council Secretariat in Lafia on Monday.

Ahemba said the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has officially abolished the practice of using areas inside school premises for football matches.

“People come within the school premises and begin to play football, and by so doing, it causes damage to school facilities, including roofing and other infrastructure. That is what government has abolished,” he said.

He clarified that pupils can still use designated school football pitches to play, but not other areas inside school premises.

“The school football pitch is there for pupils to play their own football, not inside the school premises as witnessed in most cases.”

Ahemba added that individuals or groups from outside the school community are now required to use public stadiums for matches.

“People who come from outside the school to play are kindly required to go to the stadium and play their football there,” he said.

To provide alternative venues, the state government awarded contracts last week for the construction of five mini-stadiums across Nasarawa State.

Ahemba directed school heads to ensure strict compliance with the new directive to protect school infrastructure from further damage. (Daily Trust)

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