The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, has paid a courtesy visit to the National Institute for Sports (NIS) Athletes’ Development Centre in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen the growing partnership between the two institutions.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Omoregie said the visit was informed by the mutual respect and collaboration between the University of Benin and the National Institute for Sports, aimed at consolidating their relationship and advancing sports education and development in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, for the remarkable transformation recorded at the Athletes’ Development Centre within a short period.
According to him, the University of Benin is proud to be associated with the National Institute for Sports, noting that the collaboration aligns with the Federal Ministry’s mandate and the university’s commitment to academic excellence and sports development.
“The collaboration between the University of Benin and the National Institute for Sports has received the necessary approval following our engagements. We are proud to be associated with NIS because the Ministry has a clear mandate that aligns with the goals of the University of Benin, and we are happy to partner with the Institute,” Professor Omoregie said.
In his remarks, the Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the management of the University of Benin for their unwavering institutional support and goodwill.
“You did not only extend goodwill to us, but you also secured approval for our collaboration and provided us with a facility within your institution. This is one of the major landmarks that will outlive our tenure. We are determined to develop the National Institute for Sports, but we will do so strategically and sustainably. The partnership framework between NIS and the University of Benin has been firmly established to deliver meaningful results,” Shaibu stated.
He further appreciated the University’s commitment to the partnership and expressed optimism that the collaboration would bring lasting benefits to both institutions while contributing to the growth of sports education in Nigeria.
Shaibu disclosed that, as part of the Institute’s 10-year strategic development plan, the National Institute for Sports has already commenced full academic activities in collaboration with the University of Benin. The programmes include National Diploma courses, certificate programmes, and coaching programmes.
The NIS Director-General also emphasized the importance of collaboration among institutions in driving national development. He noted that partnerships such as that between the National Institute for Sports and the University of Benin reflect the administration’s vision for sustainable growth and nation-building under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The visit further reinforced the commitment of both institutions to promoting excellence in sports education, capacity building, research, and athlete development through sustained collaboration.
This was contained in a Statement signed by
Ben Ogbemudia, S. A. Media,
Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, National Institute for Sports, ADC -Abuja.