The National Institute for Sports (NIS) have secured partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) on the development of their sports men and women for optimal performance.
The bilateral relationship was sealed when the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu led the management of the Institute on a courtesy visit on the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Abubakar Audi at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja.
Comrade Shaibu during his address briefed the Commandant General on the progress made by the NIS under his watch which includes resuscitation of the institution.
”I am the first person that is appointed by the President not a minister to be the Director General and CEO of the National Institute for Sport. So it was instructive that I was appointed directly and I was given the mandate to bring back NIS to what it ought to be, a centre of excellence and also making it a centre of excellence for coaches athletes. A very small mandate but very tall.”
”And when I took over, I went to Lagos, from Abuja to see the facilities as usual. And when I got there, obviously, just like everybody knew, NIS was a shadow of itself, dilapidated facilities including a large shortage of man power due to retirement and failure to replace those who have retired. So there was neglect, total neglect by previous administrators, especially the ministers.” He said.
While commending the corps personnel who were part of the 474 graduands of the 2025 Basic Certificate coaching course for their conduct and performance, Shaibu further thanked the NSCDC for enrolling their personnel for the Basic certificate course in Abuja. He noted that the NSCDC’s commitment to sports is adequately evident on their trophy cabinet.
In his reaction, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Dr. Abubakar Audi who praised Philip Shaibu for bringing the NIS back to what it used to be, also declared maximum cooperation from the corps in the area of training of their coaches and elite athletes.
”You see, when you put the right person in the right place, you experience progress. Some of us that have a background in physical and health, we know the importance of this institution.
” The National Institute for Sports, we know that in those days, produced coaches, facility managers, sports administrators and that’s across all sports.
“I don’t know what to say about it but we are happy and delighted at this time, that
God has brought you up to revamp and revive that place. And be rest assured of our support and we will continue to send in our personnel especially those in sports, coaches and athletes for programmes in the NIS.” Dr. Audi noted.
The National Institute for Sports had its graduation ceremony on Thursday 18th, December 2025 where about 500 coaches were awarded a Basic Coaching Certificate amongst whom were 5 coaches from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.
Signed:
Ben Ogbemudia
S. A. Media
Office of the DG) CEO NIS