NIS Launches Academic Operations Across Six Geopolitical Zones in April
By Aderonke Ojo
The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has officially commenced academic academy operations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with activities set to begin in April. This marks a significant milestone in the nation’s sports development drive.
The zones include South-South (Edo), South-East (Enugu), South-West (Ogun), North-Central (Plateau), North-East (Adamawa), and North-West (Kaduna). The decentralization of the institute represents a bold step toward expanding access to quality sports education, talent identification, and professional training across the country.
The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasizes youth empowerment, national unity, and economic diversification. By positioning sports as a strategic tool for development, the administration aims to harness the potential of young Nigerians while strengthening the nation’s economy.
According to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Philip Shaibu, the NIS has fully embraced this national vision. The former Deputy Governor of Edo State explained that the decision to establish academy operations across the six geopolitical zones was made in strategic partnership with the governors of the respective states, ensuring that sports development initiatives reach every region of the country.
Shaibu described the expansion as a long-overdue step in repositioning Nigeria within the global sports arena, particularly after more than five decades of centralized operations. He noted that the move will strengthen grassroots development, improve coaching standards, and create sustainable pathways for young athletes and sports administrators.
Stakeholders across the sports sector and the National Assembly have welcomed the development, viewing it as a transformative effort to revitalize sports education and infrastructure nationwide. The rollout of academic programs in April is expected to usher in a new era of structured training and capacity building.
As the NIS prepares to launch its academic programs, anticipation continues to grow among sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes across the country. The nationwide commencement of operations signals a renewed commitment to youth development and the long-term growth of sports in Nigeria.
With this expansion, Nigeria takes a decisive step toward building a more inclusive, structured, and globally competitive sports ecosystem—one designed to empower its youth and foster national unity.