Shaibu Unveils 10-Year Blueprint As NIS Targets World-Class Status

Reporting By: Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Director General, National Institute for Sports (NIS) Comrade Philip Shaibu, has unveiled a long-term vision to reposition the Institute as a world-class sports education hub.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the 2025 Basic Certificate Coaching Course held at the NIS premises within the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Shaibu said the Institute is laying a solid foundation that will ultimately transform it into a full-fledged sports university.

According to him, while recent achievements have been celebrated in some quarters, the real work is just beginning.

“For me, we are still laying the foundation. What people see as success is only the starting point,” Shaibu said. “The good news is that we now have a clear 10-year roadmap that will reposition NIS to global standards, with processes, programmes and structures properly cleaned up and aligned.”

He explained that curriculum reforms, course revitalisation and the introduction of clearly defined academic pathways—from certificate to diploma and eventually degree programmes—are central to the Institute’s transformation agenda.

Shaibu added that the introduction of rejigged and modernised courses is already enhancing the quality of coaching education delivered by the Institute across the country.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, Chief Barrister Paul Edeh, praised the NIS leadership, describing Shaibu’s tenure as impactful and forward-looking.

“This convocation reflects patience and vision,” Edeh said. “Like farming, you don’t harvest immediately. Today represents the first harvest, and it shows that the seeds planted under your leadership are beginning to yield results.”

One of the graduating participants, Coach Abdulwahab Bello of Kapital Waves, commended the Institute for delivering a comprehensive and practical programme, noting that the knowledge gained would significantly boost grassroots sports development across Nigeria.

A total of 474 coaches from different parts of Nigeria and other African countries were awarded Basic Coaching Certificates, following programmes conducted in Abuja and Lagos.

The ceremony attracted several top dignitaries in the sports sector, including Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka; and President of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, among others.