In a landmark move set to redefine the future of sports education and institutional development in Nigeria, the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has inaugurated a top-tier advisory committee filled with elite figures across multiple sectors.
This strategic step is part of Shaibu’s broader vision to reposition the NIS as a world-class institution for sports research, training, and leadership—aligning with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Read Also: We Are Dying in Silence”: Odegbami Urges Help for Ailing Ex-Eagles Star Kadiri Ikhana
According to a statement released by Beldmond Benson, the NIS Registrar, the committee will be officially inaugurated on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Awoture Eleyae Conference Hall, National Stadium, Lagos. Their mandate is to develop a comprehensive transformation strategy to elevate the NIS to global standards, comparable with the most prestigious sports institutes worldwide.
What sets this committee apart is its extraordinary composition. It features a rare blend of academic excellence, sporting pedigree, corporate insight, and media expertise—creating a powerful cross-section of experience and innovation.
Read Also: Rampant Second-Half Display Sends Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Into WAFU U20 Semifinals
Among the headline names is Engr. Musa Kida, Chairman of NNPC Ltd and President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, who brings decades of leadership from both the oil industry and sports administration.
Also on board is Mike Itemuagbor, Nigeria’s trailblazing sports marketer and the man behind the globally recognized Okpekpe 10km Road Race, the first World Athletics label road race in West Africa.
Academic credibility is reinforced by seasoned scholars, including Prof. Florence Adeyanju, Prof. Clement Fasan, Prof. Raimi Moronfolu, Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi, and sports science expert Professor Ken Anugweje—former president of NUGA and a strong advocate for athlete welfare.
Read Also: Nigeria Joins Other African Nations for Maiden African School Games in Algeria
Athletic legend Mary Onyali, a five-time Olympian and national icon, joins the team along with fellow Olympian Yusuf Ali, now head of the NSC’s Elite Athletes Development Board. Former Super Eagles head coach Austin Eguavoen, Dr. Mohammed Ameenu and retired referee Dr. Alex Mana bring valuable on-the-field and administrative insights to the table.
Adding media perspective are respected journalists and sports advocates Andrew Abbah of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and veteran broadcaster Godwin Enakhena.
Former Lagos State Sports Commission boss Dr. Kweku Tandoh, known for impactful grassroots reforms, rounds out the elite squad tasked with this historic responsibility.
Read Also: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Fire Blanks in Stalemate Against Resilient Algeria
Speaking on the initiative, Shaibu emphasized that transforming NIS into a global reference point for sports education and athlete development is a top priority for his administration. “We are not just building an institution—we are building the future of Nigerian sports,” he said.
The timing of this initiative is significant. As Nigeria looks to harness sports for youth empowerment, job creation, and international recognition, the NIS is poised to become a beacon of excellence—driven by innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.
