Strategic Vision for a New Era
The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of a 10-year strategic growth plan and the inauguration of a 32-member advisory committee. This initiative aims to transform the institution into a globally competitive sports development center. The announcement was made by Philip Shaibu, the Director-General of the NIS, who outlined his vision during the event held in Lagos.
Revolutionary 4 Rs: A New Roadmap
Shaibu introduced a roadmap based on what he termed “Revolutionary 4 Rs – Revitalise, Redefine, Rebrand, Relaunch.” These principles serve as the foundation for the transformation of the institute. As a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Shaibu emphasized his commitment to returning the NIS to its core mandate and achieving self-funding within the next decade.
“The first office I visited upon receiving my letter of office was the office of the NSC Chairman, and one of the things we discussed was that we have to be centralised,” Shaibu stated. He highlighted the need for restructuring and rebranding, noting that despite plans for regional centers over the past 50 years, none have been established.
Halt on Admissions and Digital Transformation
As part of the strategic plan, the NIS will halt admissions next year until comprehensive reforms are completed. Shaibu explained, “There will also be no admission next year until our work starts. We will have to halt admission until we have been able to see the documents on the plan that will make this institution work, and we need to digitalise the entire system.”
The revitalisation of the academic curriculum is a key component of the plan. Shaibu noted that some courses have not been reviewed since the institute’s establishment in 1972. The plan includes scaling up certificates to align with those issued by FIFA and CAF, alongside comprehensive infrastructure rebuilding and visual identity rebranding.
Support from Key Stakeholders
The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, expressed his backing, stating, “The DG was brought here to change the direction, and what we’re doing here aligns with the president’s vision. It’s so sad that the NIS has been left behind, we have since lost the way, but this move is set to get us back on track.”
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, pledged military support for the transformation, emphasizing sports as a non-kinetic strategy for combating insecurity. In a message read by Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim, the CDS promised to ensure no efforts are spared in revitalising sports in Nigeria.
Advisory Committee and Corporate Support
The advisory committee comprises distinguished sports personalities and academics, including five-time Olympian Mary Onyali, Austin Eguavoen, and respected professor of sports science Ken Anugweje. Other notable members include Dr. Kweku Tandoh, business magnate Tonya Lawani, and former African long jump champion Yusuf Ali.
Academic members include Prof. Florence Adeyanju, Prof. Clement Fasan, Prof. Raimi Moronfolu, and Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi, while media representation comes through Michel Abbah of SWAN and Godwin Enakhena. Engr. Musa Kida, Chairman of NNPC Ltd, pledged corporate support for the vision.
Financial Independence and Modernization
Shaibu emphasized the need for financial independence, declaring, “The NIS needs to end reliance on government funding. We must get to a level where the NIS funds itself.” Additionally, he announced plans for immediate digitalisation of examinations, promising that results would be available shortly after tests are written, as part of broader efforts to modernise the institute’s operations.