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A new report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) shows two-thirds of secondary school pupils and more than half of primary school pupils worldwide do not get taught the minimum weekly amount of physical education, according to the first-ever Global Status Report on Quality Physical Education published on 24 July 2024 by the organisation.

In addition, two-thirds of pupils with disabilities are deprived of any physical education, says the report.

“Physical education is a worthwhile investment: it not only improves pupils’ health, but also their academic performance and personal development,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, in a statement shared with Financial Nigeria. “Yet it is still often treated as a lesser subject. UNESCO is calling on its 194 member states to make it a priority subject and to allocate the necessary time, human resources and budget to it.”

UNESCO sets five priorities for its 194 member states: improve the training of sports teachers and educators; increase investment in infrastructure; develop physical education programmes that are resolutely inclusive, particularly for girls and young people with disabilities; increase the number of hours of physical education in school curricula; and place the values of sport at the heart of educational programmes.