National Institute for Sports

The Director General/ CEO National Institute for Sports, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, extend warm felicitations to the Management, Staff and students of NIS and Muslim faithfuls across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid- el Maulud 2026.
This celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) reminds us of the virtues of peace, compassion, humility, discipline, and service to humanity; values that align with the spirit of sportsmanship and nation building.
As we mark this day, let us reflect on his teachings and renew our commitment to unity, hard work and and excellence in all that we do.
May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, grant us peace, and bless our institute and nation.

*Eid - el - Maulud Mubarak!*
Director General/ CEO
National Institute for Sports

*NIS Students Spread Joy, Compassion at Hearts of Gold Children Hospice*

Students of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), led by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Miss Ajoke Baruwa, and other members of the SUG Executive, have demonstrated compassion and a strong sense of social responsibility with a visit to the Hearts of Gold Children Hospice in Lagos.

The visit formed part of activities marking the Institute’s Students’ Week, themed “Festival of Sports, Culture and Unity,” and provided the students with an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and extend care, friendship and joy to children living with disabilities.

At the hospice, a palliative and respite facility providing care and support for children with disabilities, the students presented gifts to the children and spent time interacting with them. Their presence brought moments of warmth and happiness to the children, as the students shared smiles, conversations and gestures of affection with them.

For the NIS students, the visit was more than just another activity on the Students’ Week calendar. It was an opportunity to appreciate the importance of empathy, kindness and giving back to society. Their interaction with the children offered a reminder that sports education and student development extend beyond physical and academic excellence to include character, compassion and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The students’ gesture also reflected the spirit of unity embedded in this year’s Students’ Week theme. By reaching out to children who require special care and support, the students demonstrated that unity is not only about coming together as a group, but also about recognising those who may need support and making them feel seen, valued and remembered.

The SUG President and her team expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit the facility, noting that the experience was deeply meaningful to the students. The visit also encouraged the students to continue embracing initiatives that promote kindness, community service and social responsibility.

The gesture underscores the importance of nurturing well-rounded students at the NIS—students who are not only equipped with professional knowledge and sporting skills, but who also understand the value of humanity, empathy and service to society.

*Information Unit,*
*Lagos*

*NIS Students Commence Students’ Week with Press Briefing, Celebrate Sports, Culture and Unity*

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) and students of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) have commenced activities for their Students’ Week with a press briefing held at the Dr. Awoture Eleyea Hall, Lagos Campus, bringing together students and members of staff in celebration of sports, culture and unity.

The briefing, themed “Festival of Sports, Culture and Unity,” was attended by a large turnout of students and featured remarks from key members of the Institute’s academic and administrative community. The SUG President, Miss Ajoke Baruwa, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for a week designed to promote interaction, learning, healthy competition and unity among students.

Representing the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Registrar, Mr. Belmond Benson, conveyed the DG’s goodwill to the students and assured them of Management’s support throughout the week. He noted that the students, being the pioneer set under the Institute’s ongoing reforms, have a significant responsibility to uphold the standards and values being established. He encouraged them to carry the spirit of excellence with them beyond the Institute, noting that with only three weeks to graduation, their experience at NIS should prepare themselves to become worthy ambassadors of the Institute. He urged them to approach the activities with enthusiasm and wished them a fruitful and engaging Students’ Week.

The Head of Student Affairs, Mr. Ajijola Oladapo Babatunde, commended the students for their commitment to their academic work and appreciated the Student Affairs team for its coordination and dedication to student development. He described the current students as one of the best sets so far, while encouraging them to maintain their commitment to excellence.

Other staff members who participated in the briefing included the Deputy Registrar, Academics, Mr. Okoro C.; Mrs. Omonode; Mr. Odior Sunday; Mr. Romanus, PAR, Academics; Mrs. Victoria Babalola; and Dr. Amuzie Daniel. Their participation reflected Management’s support for activities aimed at strengthening student engagement and fostering a balanced academic and social experience.

Activities lined up for the Students’ Week include athletics, indoor games, aerobics, gym and combat sports, as well as an academic workshop and seminar. The programme will also feature a campus walk and a visit to an orphanage, providing students with opportunities for physical development, knowledge sharing, social interaction and community service. The Vice President of the SUG, Coach Giwa, delivered the closing remarks, bringing the briefing to an end.

The Students’ Week forms part of the Institute’s broader efforts to promote holistic student development, with the activities providing an avenue for students to demonstrate teamwork, leadership, discipline and sportsmanship. As the pioneer set navigating the Institute’s ongoing reform process, the students are expected to carry the values of excellence and professionalism acquired at NIS into their future careers and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigerian sports.

*Information Unit*
*Lagos*

*NIS STUDENTS EMBRACE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PRODUCE LIQUID SOAP FOR ALTERNATIVE CAREER PATHWAYS*

Students of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) have demonstrated the practical application of entrepreneurship skills acquired during their training with the production of liquid soap, as part of efforts to equip them with alternative career opportunities beyond the traditional sports sector.

The initiative was undertaken as part of the requirements of the Institute’s Entrepreneurship Programme, which seeks to expose students to practical business skills and encourage them to explore opportunities that can provide sustainable livelihoods after their studies.

Presenting the products to the Institute, the students demonstrated their understanding of the production process and the potential for turning acquired entrepreneurial skills into viable business ventures. The exercise also provided the students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in product development, packaging and presentation.

The Registrar of the Institute, Mr. Belmond Benson, who represented the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Comrade Philip Shaibu, received the products on behalf of the Director-General. He warmly commended the students for demonstrating creativity and initiative, noting the importance of equipping sports professionals with skills that can support them both within and outside the sporting environment.

The Entrepreneurship Coordinator was present during the presentation, alongside other members of staff who witnessed the students’ demonstration. The initiative reflects the Institute’s broader commitment to developing well-rounded sports professionals who are not only equipped for careers in coaching and sports administration but can also create opportunities for themselves through entrepreneurship.

The practical exercise further underscores the importance of entrepreneurship education at NIS as a pathway to career diversification and self-reliance. By encouraging students to acquire marketable skills and develop products, the Institute is helping to prepare them for a future where their professional opportunities can extend beyond the playing field, coaching environment and conventional sports-related careers.

Information Unit,
Lagos.

*NIS STUDENTS ADVOCATE SUSTAINABLE FUNDING FOR NIGERIAN FOOTBALL THROUGH TELECOM, BROADCAST LEVY*

Students of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) have presented a proposal advocating the introduction of a ₦5 levy on telecom and football broadcast services as a sustainable funding mechanism for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The proposal was presented to the Institute’s management, with the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Comrade Philip Shaibu, represented by the Registrar, Mr. Belmond Benson. Also in attendance was Visiting Professor Fasun, alongside the Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship programme in the institute, Dr. Sunday Odior, and other members of staff.

The students explained that the proposal was developed in response to what they described as the persistent funding challenges confronting Nigerian football, particularly the NPFL. They noted that the league requires a sustainable and ring-fenced source of revenue to improve its operations, strengthen clubs and enhance the overall development of football in the country. The proposed mechanism would involve remittances from telecommunications and broadcast-related activities into a dedicated National Football Development Fund (NFDF), administered for the development of the sport.

According to the proposal, telecom and broadcast companies, including major industry players such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom (Glo), 9mobile, MultiChoice, Startimes and others, generate substantial revenue from football-related services and subscriptions. The students argued that a small levy on such services could generate significant funds annually for football development. They further proposed that the fund be independently overseen, with appropriate representation from relevant stakeholders including the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, National Broadcasting Commission, National Communications Commission and independent auditors.

The students stated that the proposed fund would support key areas of football development, including club welfare, players’ and officials’ allowances, match operations, medical services, security, equipment, coaching development, youth programmes and infrastructure. They also proposed that the initiative should be implemented transparently, with clear financial controls and regular audits, while ensuring that clubs and players receive tangible benefits from the scheme. The students projected that the mechanism could provide a dependable financial base capable of strengthening the NPFL and reducing its reliance on government subvention.

The presentation provided an opportunity for interaction between the students and Institute management on the need for innovative and sustainable approaches to sports financing in Nigeria. The initiative also demonstrated the practical application of knowledge acquired by NIS students, particularly in the areas of sports management, entrepreneurship, policy development and sports administration. Management’s engagement with the proposal further underscored the Institute’s role in encouraging students to develop practical solutions to some of the longstanding challenges facing Nigerian sports.

Information Unit,
Lagos.

*NIS HOLDS ACADEMIC STAFF SEMINAR TO PROMOTE RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT*

The National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, held an Academic Staff Seminar at its National Stadium campus in Surulere, Lagos, to promote research, knowledge sharing and continuous professional development among its academic staff. The seminar brought together lecturers and researchers to examine contemporary issues in sports medicine, anti-doping, nutrition and sports policy aimed at improving sports development in Nigeria.

The seminar commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem and the NIS Anthem. The Registrar, Mr. Belmond Benson, delivered the welcome address, while the Chief Host, Prof. Fasan, gave the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of research, innovation and scholarly collaboration in advancing the Institute's academic mandate and strengthening sports education in the country.

The technical session featured four paper presentations on topical issues in sports. Dr. U.D. Amuzie presented a paper titled "Athlete Responses to Musculoskeletal Injury in Nigeria: Aligning Practices with IOC 2020 Guidelines and Culturally Adapted Recommendations Across Geopolitical Zones." Dr. G.T. Adetoye delivered a presentation on "Athletes' Doping Self-Regulatory Efficacy: The Role of Coaches' Motivational Climates in Sports." Mrs. A. Akanbi examined the importance of nutrition in athletic performance in her paper titled "Fueling the Champion Within: The Hidden Power of Nutrition in Sport Performance," while Mrs. B. Farinloye presented "Beyond Medals: The Role of Sports Policy in Athlete Development and Career Sustainability in Nigeria."

Following the presentations, Dr. A. Ajala lead participants through an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session that enabled participants to exchange ideas and critically examine the issues raised during the seminar. Prof. Fasan later presented a summary of the key outcomes and recommendations from the discussions, while the Deputy Registrar, Mrs. C.U. Omonode, delivered the closing remarks before the seminar concluded with a closing prayer.

The Academic Staff Seminar reaffirmed the National Institute for Sports' commitment to fostering a strong research culture and encouraging evidence-based teaching and learning. It also underscored the Institute's determination to continuously equip its academic staff with current knowledge and practical insights that will contribute to athlete development, coaching excellence and the overall advancement of sports in Nigeria.

*Information Unit,*
*Lagos.*

*NIGERIAN RUGBY FOOTBALL FEDERATION (NRFF) SEEKS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SPORTS*

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has initiated discussions with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) during a courtesy visit to the Lagos campus on a proposed strategic partnership aimed at advancing sports development, coaching education, and grassroots participation in Nigeria.

The visit focused on exploring areas of collaboration between both institutions, particularly in coaching education, technical development, and grassroots sports promotion. Demonstrating its commitment to the proposed partnership, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation donated rugby balls and other sporting equipment to support the NIS Coaches Olympics being organized as part of activities in the forthcoming students' week. Discussions also centered on increasing investment in grassroots sports development, talent identification, and creating sustainable pathways for young Nigerians to participate in organized sports.

Speaking on behalf of the Federation, Mr. Azeez Ladipo highlighted the significant progress rugby has made in Nigeria over the past few years. He disclosed that the sport is now actively played in 20 states across the federation, with more than 3,000 young Nigerians between the ages of 10 and 18 currently participating in non-contact rugby. According to him, the Federation aims to increase that figure to 10,000 before the end of the year as part of its grassroots expansion programme.

Mr. Ladipo further noted that Nigeria's impressive rise from 24th to 7th in the African rugby rankings reflects the Federation's sustained commitment to developing the sport. He explained that the NRFF has also set its sights on qualifying Nigeria for the rugby event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. To support this ambition, he proposed that the partnership with the National Institute for Sports should include the introduction of professional rugby coaching and technical courses at the Institute, enabling Nigerian coaches to earn internationally recognized qualifications and strengthen the country's technical capacity in the sport.

Responding on behalf of the Director General, the Registrar, Mr. Belmond Benson, expressed appreciation to the Federation for choosing to engage the National Institute for Sports as a strategic partner. He emphasized that formal collaboration between the two institutions would be mutually beneficial, noting that the Institute remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote coaching excellence, capacity building, research, and sports development in line with its national mandate.

In his remarks, the Institute's Visiting Professor, Prof. Fasun, underscored the importance of expanding the visibility of rugby at the grassroots level. He stressed the need to educate aspiring athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts on the rules and regulations of the game while advocating for the use of instructional video materials and other educational resources to deepen understanding and encourage wider participation across the country.

Representing the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Registrar, Mr. Belmond Benson, received the NRFF delegation alongside the Institute's Visiting Professor, Prof. Fasun. The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Ademola Are, was represented by Mr. Azeez Ladipo, while the delegation also included Orji Amarachi Favour, an NRFF member and student coach of the National Institute for Sports. Members of the Students' Union Government (SUG), led by the President, were also present at the meeting.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing that the engagement marked the first step towards a long-term institutional partnership. It was agreed that further consultations would be held to define the scope of collaboration, while Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) would be developed where necessary to formalize the relationship. The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen sports education, expand coaching opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of grassroots sports and rugby development in Nigeria.

*Information Unit, NIS, Lagos.*