NIS Produces Nigeria’s First World Athletics-Certified Road Race Medical Director
The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has announced a historic milestone with Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu becoming Nigeria’s first World Athletics-certified road race medical director.
Dr. Ogbondeminu earned this recognition after completing a rigorous three-stage international certification programme in Madrid, Spain on the sideline of the World Athletics Label Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid Half Marathon.
Speaking at a media interactive session, NIS Director General and CEO, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, described the achievement as transformative for Nigeria’s sports medicine landscape.
He noted that the country had long depended on foreign expertise for such roles, but this certification signals the beginning of self-sufficiency.
Shaibu emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in sports development, stating: ‘I am a team player, and my goal is simple, to ensure that the system works. When it fails, we must take responsibility, not shift it. At the NIS, we have started the work, and very soon, we will begin to see even greater results.’
He credited the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Lady Bianca Ojukwu for their intervention in facilitating visa arrangements that enabled Dr. Sam’s participation in Spain. According to him, this underscores why collaboration among government institutions is essential.
Recounting his path, Dr. Sam revealed that the opportunity arose when Shaibu encouraged him to apply as medical director for the Okpekpe International Road Race. Meeting the requirements demanded international training, which nearly faltered due to logistical challenges.
However, support from the Okpekpe organizers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensured his successful completion.
