NIS, Education Ministry Move To Deepen Sports Education Collaboration
Minister Proposes Six-Month NIS Training Programmes, Integration Into Federal Government’s TVET Framework
The National Institute for Sports (NIS) and the Federal Ministry of Education are exploring stronger collaboration to integrate sports more firmly into Nigeria’s education system and expand career opportunities for young people.
The Director-General of the NIS, Philip Shaibu, made this known during an official visit to the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, where discussions centred on repositioning sports education, reviewing existing training structures and equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills through sports.
Alausa commended Shaibu’s leadership and commitment, saying the progress recorded by the NIS under his leadership reflected dedication to public service.
“As you were talking, I felt happy. Service, leadership, passion and commitment; this is what the DG has exhibited in his few months in office,” the minister said.
He added that the achievements recorded by the institute deserved the Ministry’s support.
The minister explained that the Federal Government was reviewing the foundation of the education system, particularly at the primary school level, as part of the curriculum reforms being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stressed that sports must become an integral part of education, adding that Nigeria should not be left behind in the manpower revolution.
Alausa also identified sports as an important avenue for addressing unemployment, noting its potential to create jobs, develop practical skills and provide sustainable career opportunities for young Nigerians.
As a practical step towards achieving this, he proposed integrating NIS training programmes into the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework and extending the duration of the programmes to six months.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to support the institute, noting that Shaibu’s vision aligned with its mandate and broader educational objectives.
The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen sports education, develop skilled manpower and widen employment opportunities across Nigeria’s sports sector.
