The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has paid an official visit to the Federal Ministry of Education, where he engaged the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alauda on strengthening collaboration to advance sports development and integrate sports more firmly into Nigeria’s education system.
The engagement focused on the need to reposition sports education, review existing training structures and create more opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills through sports.
The DG’s visit also underscored the importance of building stronger institutional partnerships to support the Federal Government’s ongoing educational reforms.
Commending the DG’s leadership and commitment, the Minister , Dr . Alausa expressed satisfaction with the vision presented by the NIS helmsman, noting that the progress recorded within his first year in office reflected a strong sense of service and dedication.
“As you were talking, I felt happy. Service, leadership, passion and commitment; this is what the DG has exhibited in his few months in office,” the Minister stated.
He added that the achievements recorded under the DG’s leadership deserved the support of the Ministry.
The Minister further explained that the Federal Government had returned to the foundation of the education system, particularly at the primary school level, to review the curriculum and drive the reforms being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stressed that sports must become an integral part of the education system, adding that Nigeria must not be left out of the manpower revolution.
Addressing the challenge of unemployment in the country, the Minister observed that sports has significant potential to create employment, develop practical skills and provide career opportunities for young Nigerians. He emphasised that all relevant stakeholders must work together to harness this potential and give sports education the attention it deserves.
As a practical step towards achieving this objective, the Minister proposed the integration of NIS training programmes into the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework, while also suggesting that the duration of the programmes be expanded to six months.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to support the NIS, noting that the DG’s vision aligns with its mandate and broader educational objectives. The proposed collaboration is expected to provide a pathway for strengthening sports education, developing skilled manpower and expanding employment opportunities within Nigeria’s sports sector.
Signed:
Ben Ogbemudia,
S. A. Media,
Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer National Institute for Sports ADC Abuja.