A special adviser on sports in Jibia Local Government Area has warned that the ban on football activities in primary school fields across Katsina State could have negative consequences for young people.
Hon. Salim Aliyu, popularly known as “Wasannin Jibia,” made the statement in a message sent to Hikaya Newspaper on Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was reacting to the recent decision by the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to prohibit the use of primary school playgrounds for football activities.
According to Salim Aliyu, the restriction could deny thousands of youths access to places for exercise, recreation, and talent development, especially in communities where there are no government-owned sports facilities.
He said the move could also contribute to increased idleness among young people and expose some of them to drug abuse and other social vices. He stressed that sporting activities often serve as a positive outlet that keeps youths engaged and focused.
The adviser further noted that the policy could attract criticism against the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda if alternative sports facilities are not provided. He said many communities rely on primary school fields as their only available venues for football and other recreational activities.
Salim Aliyu added that residents have expressed concern that the ban may affect the growth of talented footballers who use the school fields to train and improve their skills. He warned that preventing access to the facilities without providing alternatives could hinder youth development in the state.
The concerns follow a directive issued by the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), which instructed education secretaries in all 34 local government areas to enforce a ban on football activities in primary school premises. According to the board, the measure was introduced to prevent the destruction of school buildings, equipment, and other public property. The directive also states that youths are no longer permitted to use any primary school field for football activities anywhere in Katsina State.