Akwa Ibom Makes History as NIS Graduates 107 Football Coaches in First Programme Outside Lagos in 52 Years

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has graduated 107 students from its Executive Coaching Certificate Programme in Football, marking the first time in the Institute’s 52-year history that a coaching programme has been conducted outside Lagos.

The graduation ceremony took place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, was represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey.

The NIS Director-General, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, who served as Chief Host, commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for hosting the historic programme. He described the graduands as a history-making group and expressed confidence that they would contribute to improving coaching standards and advancing football development across Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Wife of the Senate President, Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, represented by Hon. Mrs Eunice Thomas; the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh; NIS officials; football administrators; coaches; and other stakeholders in sports development.

Mr Samuel Umoh emerged as the Best Graduating Student, while 15-year-old Unwana Unwana Udoma was recognised as the youngest trained coach in the history of the National Institute for Sports.

In their remarks, representatives of the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Wife of the Senate President commended the Institute for bringing the programme to the state and encouraged the graduands to apply their knowledge, pursue further professional development, and contribute to the growth of football in Nigeria.

The programme also benefited from the support of individuals who sponsored the participation of some graduands, helping to expand access to coaching education and strengthen local coaching capacity.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the 107 graduands in recognition of their successful completion of the programme.

The milestone underscores the NIS commitment to expanding access to professional sports education, developing qualified coaches, and strengthening grassroots football development across Nigeria.