Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at empowering the youth of Delta North through education and sports.
The program, titled “Sports meet Education,” is designed to nurture outstanding students of Delta North origin, providing them with opportunities to study at the prestigious Sports University of Nigeria (SUN) located in Idumuje-Ugboko.
As the Chancellor and Founder of the Sports University, Senator Nwoko revealed that the initiative will benefit a total of 90 exceptional students. These students, carefully selected from the nine local government areas within Delta North, will each receive full scholarships—covering 100 percent tuition fees—allowing them to pursue a four-year academic program free of charge.
The allocation is ten students per local government area, ensuring broad-based inclusion across the district.
“The goal of this initiative is not merely to provide financial assistance,” Nwoko explained during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
“It represents an investment in a generation of young people who will seamlessly combine academic excellence with sporting brilliance.” He emphasized that these scholars will emerge as ambassadors, representing both Delta North and Nigeria with pride and distinction.
Students admitted into the program will benefit from comprehensive training within a world-class sports facility, alongside access to modern campus amenities such as reliable 24-hour electricity, high-speed internet, secure accommodation, and a state-of-the-art sporting complex.
The Sports University is notable as the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering accredited academic programs across diverse faculties including Mass Communication, Management and Social Sciences, Sports Science, Allied Health Sciences, Pure Sciences, and Architecture.
Applicants are required to demonstrate not only an impressive academic record but also proven talent in at least one sport to qualify for the scholarship. “We are seeking well-rounded students who embody both intellectual and athletic potential,” Nwoko added.
Admission applications are currently open via the university’s website at www.sportsuniversity.edu.ng. Interested candidates can also reach out through phone or WhatsApp on +2349167177777 or +2349167066666, or email inquiries to admissions@sportsuniversity.edu.ng and enquire@sportsuniversity.edu.ng.
Beyond this scholarship program, Senator Nwoko is deeply committed to youth development and grassroots sports advancement within Delta North. Recently, he constructed and donated a modern mini stadium to the Issele Uku community, a facility designed to invigorate local sports and create opportunities for budding athletes.
This state-of-the-art complex includes a modern football pitch, a seven-a-side multi-sport field, well-appointed pavilions on both sides, and fully equipped dressing rooms.
“The stadium is expected to become a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and upcoming athletes in the district, fostering talent and encouraging healthy competition,” Nwoko stated.
In addition to sports and education, the senator has also prioritized infrastructural development to improve the quality of life in Delta North communities.
To ensure equitable access to essential services, he facilitated the construction of solar-powered boreholes, which are currently operational in Umunede (Ika North East) and Idumuje-Ugboko (Aniocha North). These projects address critical water supply challenges, providing clean and sustainable water sources to residents.
Highlighting his broader achievements, Nwoko noted that he secured a record-breaking ₦3.5 billion in federal appropriations for Delta North in the 2024 budget—marking the highest amount ever allocated to the district.
He has also championed youth empowerment initiatives, enabling over 2,000 young people to benefit from skill acquisition training programs, coupled with entrepreneurial grants of ₦150,000 each to support their ventures.
His contributions extend to community development projects as well, which include the installation of solar-powered streetlights, construction of town halls, renovation of medical centers, and distribution of transformers across various communities.
Collectively, these efforts target pressing issues such as electricity provision, water supply, road infrastructure, education, employment opportunities, security, and environmental challenges within his senatorial district.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, Senator Ned Nwoko continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to transforming Delta North into a hub of educational and sporting excellence, while improving the overall welfare and prospects of its residents.