Basketball Clinic Encourages Education Alongside Sports

Young basketball players are encouraged not to put their education aside for sports. This was the main message at the third Elevate Basketball Clinic, which took place on Saturday at Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba, Lagos. Hundreds of young athletes learned the basics of basketball skills and drills.

The Elevate Basketball Academy organized this clinic in partnership with the Lagos State Basketball Association. It attracted many young participants, most of whom are under 16 years old.

Akinwande Oshodi, the founder and sponsor of the clinic, said the goal is to use basketball to empower the youth. He wants participants to learn important life values that can lead to success.

"The end game is to elevate basketball and it’s about empowering the youth through basketball. It’s not just about the game, it’s about life, helping the students to understand what it takes to be successful," Oshodi explained.

Oshodi, who was born in Lagos but lives in the United States, also said he plans to start a foundation focused on basketball and athletics. He wants to create educational opportunities for young people.

"This year, we are planning on tracking statistics so we can share with our sponsors what we have been doing over the last three years," he added.

Oshodi’s mother, Bosede Ode, a sports nurse who worked with the Lagos State Government at Rowe Park, also emphasized the need to balance sports and education.

"I’m very encouraged that more girls are in sports than what it used to be. I just want to encourage them to focus on not just sports but their education as well," Ode stated.

Ode shared how her son’s journey highlights the value of education. He had an injury that stopped him from playing basketball professionally, but education helped him build a life beyond sports.

"I always tell my son about the importance of education. He had an injury which prevented him from playing professionally, but with education, that is helping him through life and giving back to society. When he was small, he played basketball through school and I’ve always encouraged him," she said.

One of the participants, Abdulkareem Abdulraheem, who returned for the second year, also shared his thoughts. He said he noticed a lot of progress among the players compared to the previous year.

"The motivation is high. Last year I saw some people that were learning how to bounce the ball. This year, I’m seeing people play more and that is motivating me to never give up," he said.

Abdulraheem trains about three times a week and makes sure to also focus on his studies. "That is one of the teachings of this clinic," he added.

Coordinator Gbade Olatona said the clinic aims to use basketball to teach discipline, leadership, and responsible citizenship to young people. Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has worked to show that basketball is more than just a competitive sport. It serves as a platform for mentorship, character development, and creating opportunities for young people.