NIS DG Philip Shaibu Seeks NELFUND Partnership for Sports

Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), has called for a strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to strengthen sports education and develop workforce skills within Nigeria's sports ecosystem. During a visit to NELFUND's management team, Shaibu emphasized the critical role of the fund in supporting aspiring coaches and the sports profession.

He provided historical context about NIS, which was conceived in 1972 and formally established in 1974, with a clear mandate to train sports personnel not just in Nigeria but across Africa. Shaibu noted that the institute has suffered from neglect and mismanagement over the years, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is focused on revitalizing it.

A 10-year strategic plan has been developed to guide the institute's mission, with an emphasis on grassroots sports development. Shaibu highlighted the importance of collaboration with NELFUND to engage young people and equip them with valuable skills in sports.