The University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the National Institute for Sports (NIS) are set to explore a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening sports development and repositioning Nigeria’s sports sector for global relevance.
This development emerged during a courtesy visit by the Director-General/CEO of NIS, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, to the Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Professor Edoba Omoregie SAN, where both institutions expressed readiness to collaborate in key areas of mutual interest.
Speaking during the visit, Shaibu emphasized the urgent need to reconnect the NIS with academic institutions like UNIBEN to revive its foundational mandate as the backbone of sports development in Nigeria. He described the institute as a once-thriving hub that trained coaches, referees, administrators, and sports medical personnel, while also providing structured academic programmes.
He noted that over the years, the institute’s core objectives were weakened, but the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided renewed direction to restore its relevance.
According to Shaibu, ongoing reforms at the NIS include curriculum upgrades, introduction of new courses, and the implementation of a 10-year development plan designed by experts to reposition the institute as a modern, globally competitive sports institution.
He added that the institute is working towards becoming a degree-awarding body, making partnerships with universities like UNIBEN essential for academic credibility and programme development.
“Our goal is to build a system where sports education is properly structured and recognized. Collaborating with UNIBEN will help us achieve this through shared expertise, facilities, and academic exchange,” Shaibu said.
The NIS boss also highlighted efforts to expand access to sports education through inclusive certification programmes tailored for experienced athletes without formal education, enabling them to transition into professional coaching roles.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie SAN, welcomed the initiative and described the proposed partnership as a step in the right direction. He acknowledged the university’s existing sports infrastructure and expressed commitment to upgrading facilities to meet modern standards.
Omoregie affirmed UNIBEN’s readiness to collaborate with the NIS in areas such as curriculum development, facility sharing, and academic programmes, noting that such synergy would benefit both institutions and the broader sports ecosystem.
The visit signals a renewed push to bridge the gap between academic institutions and sports development agencies, with both parties aligning efforts to build a more structured and sustainable sports sector in Nigeria.
Members of the NIS management team present during the visit included Mrs. Nyakno Oluokun FCA (Bursar), Dr. Maryam Nasko (Head of Administration), Dr. Remu Majoroh (Consultant), Aisha Adogah (PPS to the DG), Charles Olubayo (PA/ICT to the DG), and Dr. Oyakhire Rasheed (South-South Coordinator), among others.