President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), has appointed the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, as the new Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS).
Shaibu, who assumes the role with immediate effect, succeeds Professor Olawale Moronkola. He is expected to implement reforms aimed at repositioning the Institute to meet its mandate of training top-tier coaches across all sports disciplines in Nigeria.
A well-known figure in the Nigerian sports industry, Shaibu is anticipated to bring his experience and expertise to bear in his new role, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
As Deputy Governor of Edo State, Shaibu was lauded for his contributions to sports development, earning both national and international recognition for his leadership in the sector.
His leadership is expected to further strengthen sports education and professional development at the national level.
The National Institute for Sports was established in 1974 by the administration of then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to improve Nigeria’s performance in international sports competitions.
The Institute gained autonomy through Decree 31, promulgated on July 8, 1992. As a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, the NIS is mandated to train coaches, sports managers, and scientists, and to conduct research aimed at advancing the nation’s sporting excellence.
