By Gabriel Ameh
The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has commenced operations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, marking a significant administrative expansion aimed at strengthening sports education and grassroots development nationwide.
The rollout covers the South-South (Edo), South-East (Enugu), South-West (Ogun), North-Central (Plateau), North-East (Adamawa), and North-West (Kaduna). Academic activities are scheduled to begin in April.
Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the NIS, Philip Shaibu, said the decentralisation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, national unity, and economic diversification through sports.
Shaibu, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, explained that the zonal expansion was implemented in partnership with state governments to improve access to structured training, talent identification, and professional development for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators.
According to the NIS leadership, the new structure is designed to bring institutional sports education closer to communities across the country, rather than concentrating operations in a single location. The Institute, established over five decades ago, is seeking to reposition itself to meet evolving demands within Nigeria’s sports sector.
Stakeholders say the success of the expansion will depend on sustained funding, quality programme delivery, and effective collaboration with state authorities.
With academic programmes set to commence in April, attention will now shift to implementation and the extent to which the initiative strengthens grassroots sports development and professional training nationwide.
The NIS management expressed optimism that the zonal structure will broaden opportunities for young Nigerians and contribute to long-term growth within the sports industry.
