NIS Students to Access NELFUND for Financial Aid Soon

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) is finalizing arrangements to allow its students to access financial assistance through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). H.E.

Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIS, announced this during the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) A Licence Course in Abuja. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on coaches and prospective students struggling to afford professional qualifications.

Shaibu stated that discussions with NELFUND are at an advanced stage, enabling eligible students to obtain loans to cover tuition fees, which they can repay after securing employment. He also revealed that research by NIS found approximately 40,000 coaches in Nigeria lack professional licenses, highlighting the need for collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to enhance access to coaching education.

Shaibu praised the NFF for reinstating the CAF A Licence Course in Nigeria after a nine-year absence, expressing hope for regular future offerings to address the shortage of licensed coaches.