From Grassroots to Glory: NIS Boss Philip Shaibu Unveils Bold 4-Year Vision to Revolutionize Nigerian Sports
BENIN CITY – The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, has announced an ambitious roadmap to decentralize sports excellence and return Nigeria to its rightful place as the "Giant of Africa."
Speaking at the conclusion of a three-day working visit to Edo State, Shaibu outlined a transformative four-year plan centered on grassroots development, infrastructure revival, and elite coach training.
A Nationwide Expansion
In a strategic move to unearth hidden talents across the country, Shaibu revealed plans to establish NIS offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This decentralization policy aims to take professional sports development directly to the grassroots, ensuring that talent in every corner of Nigeria has access to world-class coaching and training.
“We are in a hurry to restore the NIS to its core mandate,” Shaibu stated, noting that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda. Zonal offices and training centers are already nearing readiness in states including Ogun, Taraba, Enugu, and Plateau.
Reviving the South-South Hub
A major highlight of the DG's visit was the inspection of the Indoor Sports Hall at Etete, GRA, Benin—a facility donated by the Edo State Government to serve as the NIS South-South training center.
Shaibu, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, shared a personal connection to the facility, recalling how he fought to reclaim and revive it in 2018 despite advice to abandon it. Today, that decision has paved the way for the center to commence operations this April. While acknowledging the building’s structural integrity, Shaibu noted that immediate upgrades to the windows, toilets, and office spaces are underway to create a professional environment for staff and athletes.
Bridging the Coaching Gap
Recognizing that champions cannot be built without a strong foundation, the NIS is launching three-month basic coaching courses, with plans to introduce advanced certifications later. The Institute also intends to collaborate with the Referees Association to enhance the quality of officiating across various sports.
Furthermore, Shaibu announced a partnership with the Edo State Government to reactivate the College of Physical and Health Education in Afuze, transforming it into a hub for training games masters and coaches across 42 different sporting disciplines.
A Warning on Maintenance Culture
Despite the focus on expansion, the DG issued a stern critique of Nigeria’s current sporting infrastructure. He lamented the state of national icons, pointing out that the Surulere National Stadium has been reduced to a "playground," while the Abuja National Stadium is frequently used for non-sporting events.
Shaibu emphasized that he would not support the waste of federal resources on new buildings until a "maintenance culture" is firmly established. "It is not enough to build beautiful facilities; we must prepare our people to care for them," he argued, noting that Nigeria currently possesses only one FIFA-standard pitch—the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A New Era for Nigerian Sports
Under Shaibu’s leadership, the NIS is signaling a shift away from centralization and toward a more inclusive, professional, and sustainable model. By focusing on grassroots expansion and the professionalization of coaching, the Institute aims to bridge the gap between raw talent and international podium finishes.
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