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NIS DG MOVES TO STRENGTHEN INSTITUTE’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK, SEEKS REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT OF NIS ACT

NIS DG MOVES TO STRENGTHEN INSTITUTE’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK, SEEKS REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT OF NIS ACT

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H. E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has disclosed that Management is pursuing the repeal and re-enactment of the NIS Act through the National Assembly as part of efforts to strengthen the Institute’s legal framework and reposition it to effectively deliver on its mandate. Shaibu made this known during a virtual all-staff meeting involving personnel from the NIS Headquarters in Lagos and its zonal offices in Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, Edo/South-South, Adamawa/Yola and Plateau/Jos. The DG explained that the proposed legislative review is part of broader institutional reforms aimed at strengthening NIS, expanding its operations and improving its capacity to contribute meaningfully to sports development in Nigeria. The DG also used the meeting to brief staff on the Institute’s financial position, welfare obligations, promotions and ongoing restructuring. He disclosed that the 2025 promotion placements had been approved and uploaded to the relevant payroll platform, with final approval from the Accountant-General’s Office still being awaited, while the Performance Management System (PMS) would be adopted for future promotion exercises. On the expansion of the Institute’s programmes, Shaibu announced plans to commence Basic Coaching programmes in Yola, Adamawa state, Plateau/Jos , Ogun state , Enugu in October while Kaduna and Edo state is already running alongside the ongoing South-South programme in collaboration with the University of Benin and Akwa Ibom state . He also announced a proposed 70/30 revenue-retention arrangement under which 70 per cent of revenue generated by zonal offices would remain within the respective zones, while 30 per cent would be remitted to the centre for institution-wide projects. The DG further disclosed that NIS was in advanced discussions with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) towards introducing CAF Card D coaching certification for NIS-trained coaches, with plans to progress to higher levels. He said opportunities for other international certifications, including FIBA-related programmes, were also being explored as part of efforts to strengthen the professional development of coaches trained by the Institute. Shaibu assured staff that Management remained committed to addressing outstanding welfare obligations and improving the overall effectiveness of the Institute. He urged personnel across all locations to remain committed to their responsibilities, stressing that the success of the ongoing reforms and the repositioning of NIS would depend on the collective commitment and professionalism of its staff. Information Unit,Lagos

NIS DG MOVES TO STRENGTHEN INSTITUTE’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK, SEEKS REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT OF NIS ACT Read More »

NIS to Launch 8-Week Summer Basic Coaching Programme in Uyo

In line with its mandate to develop sports through quality education and grassroots capacity building, the National Institute for Sports (NIS), in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, is set to commence its 8-Week Summer Basic Coaching Programme in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The programme is part of the Institute’s strategic drive to take coaching education closer to aspiring and practicing coaches across the country. Akwa Ibom State falls within the NIS South-South Zonal Centre, headquartered in Benin City, Edo State, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to making professional sports education accessible throughout the region. Participants will receive comprehensive training in the fundamentals of sports coaching, practical coaching techniques, drill organization, exercise planning, and competition management. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded an NIS Certificate of Participation/Completion. The programme is open to football coaches, grassroots coaches, sports academy instructors, youth leaders, retired athletes, club coaches, sports administrators, graduates aspiring to build careers in sports coaching, and anyone seeking a solid foundation in coaching. Under the leadership of the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Institute continues to expand coaching education and strengthen grassroots sports development across Nigeria through its zonal centres and strategic partnerships. The Uyo programme reflects the DG/CEO’s commitment to producing highly skilled coaches, fostering talent development, and ensuring that every geopolitical zone benefits from the Institute’s professional training programmes. Interested participants are encouraged to register as further details on the commencement of the programme will be communicated by the Institute. Signed:Ben Ogbemudia,S. A. Media,Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer National Institute for Sports, ADC Abuja.

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The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has joined the accounting profession and well-wishers across the country in congratulating its Bursar, Mrs. Oluokun O. Nyakno, FCA, on her inauguration …

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has joined the accounting profession and well-wishers across the country in congratulating its Bursar, Mrs. Oluokun O. Nyakno, FCA, on her inauguration as a member of the newly constituted Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Mrs. Nyakno was inaugurated alongside other distinguished professionals during the investiture ceremony that saw Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime emerge as the 62nd President and Chair of Council of ICAN, Nigeria’s foremost accounting institute and one of the nation’s most prestigious professional bodies. Her inclusion in the newly inaugurated Council is an affirmation to her professionalism, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the accounting profession over the years. As a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Mrs. Nyakno has consistently demonstrated excellence in financial management, accountability, and institutional administration. Colleagues and associates have described her appointment as well deserved, noting that her wealth of experience and commitment to professional ethics will contribute significantly to the advancement of the accounting profession and the continued growth of ICAN. The emergence of Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime as the 62nd President and Chair of Council marks another milestone in the history of the Institute, while the inauguration of the new Council reflects ICAN’s commitment to strengthening professional standards, transparency, and excellence in the accountancy profession. The National Institute for Sports celebrates this remarkable achievement and wishes Mrs. Oluokun O. Nyakno, FCA, and the newly inaugurated ICAN leadership a successful tenure as they work to advance the ideals and objectives of the Institute. Congratulations to Mrs. Oluokun O. Nyakno, FCA, on this well-deserved recognition and appointment. Media – National Institute For Sports

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has joined the accounting profession and well-wishers across the country in congratulating its Bursar, Mrs. Oluokun O. Nyakno, FCA, on her inauguration … Read More »

DG NIS calls for partnership

Shaibu Seeks Private Sector Partnership to Reposition NIS,…Receives Bodyline and Gymnastics Limited on Courtesy Visit

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has reiterated his commitment to repositioning the institute through strategic private-sector partnerships aimed at transforming sports development, fitness education, and athlete performance in Nigeria. Shaibu made this known while receiving the Managing Director of Bodyline and Gymnastics Limited, Mr. Bankole Opashi, and his team on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. Speaking during the meeting, the NIS boss said the institute is undergoing a major reform process designed to restore its relevance as a leading sports research and training institution in the country. According to him, the institute is determined to do things differently in order to achieve maximum results in sports and fitness development. “We at the NIS are trying to do things differently to achieve maximum results as far as fitness and sports are concerned. NIS is a research-based and training institute. The institute has done all these over the years, but we are back now with a new focus and reformation agenda,” Shaibu said. He identified trust deficit and poor management of previous initiatives as major challenges that had hindered the growth of the institute, noting that private-sector participation remains crucial to sustainable development in the sports sector. The immediate past Edo State Deputy Governor emphasized that effective leadership and service delivery are essential for the success of any institution, warning that poorly managed systems could collapse within a few years. Shaibu disclosed that the institute is working with urgency, but with careful planning, to restore Nigeria’s competitiveness in international sports. “We are in a hurry, but we are doing things carefully to bring the institute back to life and to a level where Nigeria will no longer be celebrating bronze medals but gold medals in international competitions,” he said. In a light-hearted remark, Shaibu referenced the success of foreign clubs in identifying and nurturing talented Nigerian players. “I don’t like Arsenal today, because they took players who are legitimate Nigerians without advising them to play for the Nigerian national team, and they are scoring goals and excelling with the English club and national team. That is just on a lighter note,” he joked. The NIS Director-General further stressed the need for sports institutions to become less dependent on government funding and more attractive to private-sector investment. “NIS should not be government-driven; we want it to be private-sector-driven because if we wait for government alone, NIS may not move and sports generally may not move. Governments have different priorities, and available resources determine allocations,” he explained. According to him, the government’s primary responsibility should be to create an enabling environment through the provision of sports infrastructure, while private investors drive innovation, development, and sustainability. Shaibu assured potential investors that any partnership entered into with the institute would be protected through policies that ensure continuity beyond the tenure of any individual administrator. Earlier, the Managing Director of Bodyline and Gymnastics Limited, Mr. Bankole Opashi, commended the reform efforts at NIS and proposed the establishment of a comprehensive fitness training and certification programme to complement the institute’s academic offerings. According to him, having a gym facility alone is not sufficient in today’s fitness industry, stressing the need for professional certification and capacity development for fitness instructors and trainers. “You are already a training institute, but having just a gym is not enough. We want to start offering certification for fitness training. What is needed is a gym and fitness training institute,” Opashi said. He explained that the proposed programme would focus on practical knowledge and competence, ensuring that trainers understand modern fitness equipment and international best practices. Opashi also disclosed that his organization could facilitate sponsorship opportunities for the development of fitness centres at the Abuja Athletes Development Centre, the Lagos Centre, and potentially across the institute’s zonal centres nationwide. The visit also providye the growing drive by the National Institute for Sports to leverage public-private partnerships in repositioning sports education, research, fitness training, and athlete development across Nigeria. Media – National Institute for Sports

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DG post

NIS DG Attends Italian Consulate U-20 Football Tournament Opening in Lagos

The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, joined diplomats, football stakeholders, sports administrators, coaches, and young athletes at the opening ceremony of the Italian Consulate General U-20 Football Tournament Cup held at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos. The tournament, scheduled to run from June 2 to June 7, 2026, is an initiative of the Italian Consulate General in Lagos aimed at promoting youth football development, talent discovery, cultural exchange, and international sporting cooperation between Nigeria and Italy. The competition seeks to identify and nurture promising young footballers while creating pathways for outstanding performers to gain exposure to opportunities in Europe. Eight grassroots and professional academy teams are participating in the tournament, including Okaka FC, Plateau United, Bendel Insurance, and 36 Lions FC, among others. The participating teams are expected to compete for top honours while showcasing the immense football talent available within Nigeria’s youth development system. Adding prestige to the event are former Super Eagles stars, Obafemi Martins and Christian Obodo, who are serving as ambassadors for the tournament. Their involvement is expected to inspire the young athletes and reinforce the importance of hard work, discipline, and dedication in achieving success in football. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Comrade Philip Shaibu commended the Italian Consulate General for its commitment to grassroots football development and youth empowerment. He noted that the initiative aligns with the mandate of the National Institute for Sports to advance sports development through talent identification, capacity building, and athlete development. The NIS boss encouraged the participating players to make the most of the opportunity by demonstrating discipline, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. He emphasized that competitions of this nature provide young athletes with a platform to gain exposure and take significant steps toward professional football careers. The event attracted members of the diplomatic community, football administrators, coaches, sports enthusiasts, and the general public. Organizers expressed confidence that the tournament would strengthen sporting relations between Nigeria and Italy while contributing meaningfully to the development of youth football in the country. The National Institute for Sports reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sports excellence, youth development, and the creation of sustainable pathways for talented athletes across Nigeria. Signed:Information Department,National Institute for Sports.

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LASEMA, NIS to collaborate on emergency preparedness and disaster management

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has expressed its desire to collaborate with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in the areas of emergency preparedness, planning, response, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Director Generaland Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency is seeking strategic partnerships that would strengthen disaster management capacity across the country. He explained that the proposed collaboration would leverage the expertise of both institutions to promote safety awareness, emergency preparedness, and disaster risk management within the sports sector. The Permanent Secretary disclosed the establishment of the Lagos Institute of Disaster Management, which currently has strong Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Lagos State University (LASU) and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). He also noted that these initiatives are being pursued under the developmental vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which are designed to ensure that the disaster management structures and best practices developed by LASEMA can be replicated across Nigeria’s 36 states. He further stated that the collaboration would enjoy the backing of international organizations that currently support LASEMA, adding that such partnerships would help broaden the reach of disaster management knowledge and enhance institutional capacity nationwide. Responding, the Director General/CEO of NIS, Comrade Philip Shaibu, welcomed the initiative and assured the delegation that the Institute would reciprocate the visit as part of efforts to strengthen ties between both organizations. Shaibu reiterated his commitment to the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the National Institute for Sports. According to him, “The simple task given to me by the President is to reposition NIS to the position it was before now, which is producing standard coaches to fill the gap in the entire coaching system of Nigeria.” He added that partnerships with organizations such as LASEMA would contribute significantly to achieving the Institute’s objectives by integrating safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management into sports education and administration.

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National Institute for Sports is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: NIS MGT MEETING Time: Aug 21, 2026 03:00 PM West Central Africa Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89250553873?pwd=9Oj1sffTCAt4MxOhI1iDtPPLjtauok.1 Meeting chat link https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/89250553873 View meeting insights https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=5b5fa91f-1ab1-4861-84f8-9d84b6ffc063 Meeting ID: 892 5055 3873 Passcode: 389777 --- One tap mobile +19292056099,,89250553873#,,,,*389777# US (New York) The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has been honoured as the Sports Personality of the Year by Blueprint Newspaper, in recognition of his contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.

DG NIS, Shaibu Calls for Unity Among Football Family at Night of Tribute for Henry Nwosu

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip shaibu has called on football family and stakeholders across Nigeria to embrace unity and collaboration as a means of advancing the growth and development of the nation’s football sector. The NIS boss made the call while attending the Night of Tribute organized in honour of Nigerian football legend, Henry Onyemanze Nwosu (MON), at Saint Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos. He was accompanied by members of the Student Union Government (SUG) , management of the National Institute for Sports, whose presence underscored the Institute’s commitment to honouring sports icons and promoting leadership values among students. The immediate past deputy governor of Edo state stressed the importance of cohesion among football family, administrators, coaches, and other stakeholders, noting that unity remains a vital ingredient for sustainable development and success in Nigerian football. He urged all parties to work together in the collective interest of the sport and the nation’s future athletes. The Director General also conveyed the condolences of the institute to the family, friends, and associates of the late Henry Nwosu. He described the former Green Eagles star as a distinguished football ambassador, mentor, and role model whose contributions to the development of Nigerian football remain invaluable. Comrade Shaibu further encouraged young sports enthusiasts and administrators to emulate the discipline, commitment, and leadership qualities that defined Nwosu’s illustrious career. He noted that the late football icon’s legacy should serve as an inspiration to future generations within the sporting community. The tribute event brought together former footballers, sports administrators, coaches, family members, and admirers who celebrated the life and achievements of Henry Nwosu. Participants paid glowing tributes to his remarkable contributions to Nigerian football and his enduring impact on the lives of many within the sport. Signed:Information Department,National Institute for Sports.

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Shaibu Retains Okpekpe Record, Finishes Alongside Oshiomhole at 2026 International 10km Road Rac

Add Your Heading Text HereShaibu Retains Okpekpe Record, Finishes Alongside Oshiomhole at 2026 International 10km Road Rac…Mamo Lama of Ethiopia emerged overall winner, Pockets 15,000 US Dollar Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Saturday once again demonstrated his enduring passion for sports and physical fitness as he successfully completed the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, finishing in 1 hour, 18 minutes and retaining his previous record in the prestigious race. Shaibu ran alongside former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, who crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 57 seconds, slightly ahead of the NIS boss. The VIP race experienced a delay due to technical reasons and eventually commenced at exactly 10:05 a.m., shortly after the elite athletes had begun their race at 9:00 a.m. Nigerian time. For Shaibu, the race was another testament to his commitment to sports development and healthy living. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most active public office holders in sports, the former deputy governor had undergone just a week of preparations for the race. Remarkably, less than 24 hours before the competition, he had completed a 5-kilometre training run at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, underscoring his dedication and readiness. Speaking with journalists at the finish line, Shaibu praised the consistency of the organizers of the Okpekpe Road Race, describing the event as one of Nigeria’s most successful international sporting competitions. According to him, beyond the sporting excitement, the race continues to generate significant economic benefits for communities across Etsako land and Edo North Senatorial District, attracting visitors, athletes, officials and tourists from across Nigeria and beyond. He also acknowledged the critical role of government support in sustaining the race over the years while commending the sponsors for their unwavering commitment to the growth of athletics in Nigeria. Shaibu further appreciated the collaboration between the National Institute for Sports and the organizers, noting that NIS personnel played active roles throughout the event. “Our medical team, researchers, media personnel and other staff members, including the South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Institute, were fully involved and provided support throughout the race,” he said. The 2026 edition once again attracted some of the world’s finest long-distance runners, with Ethiopia reaffirming its dominance in distance running. In the elite men’s category, Mamo Lama of Ethiopia emerged victorious with a time of 29 minutes, 37 seconds, while fellow Ethiopian Aroge Getehn finished second in 29:39. Kenya’s Maxon Kyngetich secured third position with a time of 29:58. The elite women’s category also witnessed strong performances from East African athletes. Silnat Pitwe of Ethiopia claimed first place in 34:18, narrowly ahead of compatriot Mahait Kasahiou, who finished in 34:19, while Friday Ndinda of Kenya placed third in 34:50. In the Nigerian elite men’s category, Plateau State athletes dominated the podium. Raymond Ilya Gyang emerged first with a time of 30:29, followed by Boyi James in 30:40, while Sunday Rotshak finished third in 30:44. The Nigerian women’s category was won by Patient Daylop, who clocked 36:42. Abuso Rose Thomas finished second in 36:51, while Vivian Nenyitwe secured third place with a time of 37:42. Beyond the official prize money provided by the organizers, Chairman of Oceawave Group, Mr. Peter Dunia, announced additional cash rewards for the top Nigerian finishers. The first, second and third-place winners in both the men’s and women’s Nigerian categories received 3 million, 2 million and 1 million respectively, a gesture widely applauded by athletes and stakeholders. The Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the first World Athletics-certified road race in West Africa, has continued to grow in stature and remains a major platform for promoting athletics, tourism and economic activities in Edo State. For Comrade Philip Shaibu, crossing the finish line once again was not merely about completing another race; it was a reaffirmation of his lifelong commitment to sports, fitness and the development of athletics in Nigeria. His performance alongside Senator Adams Oshiomhole added another memorable chapter to the history of the Okpekpe Road Race and highlighted the enduring connection between leadership and sportsmanship. Signed: Ben Ogbemudia,S. A. Media,Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, National Institute for Sports.

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