Abuja: Mr Philip Shaibu, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), has reiterated his commitment to restoring the institute’s lost glory after years of neglect and institutional rot. Shaibu addressed newsmen regarding the state of infrastructure decay at the institute’s offices in Abuja and Lagos, emphasizing his mission to transform NIS into a hub of sports excellence.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shaibu criticized the deterioration of the institute’s facilities, noting that they were not suitable for work when he assumed his role. He expressed concern over the poor condition of the sports institute, which was intended to be a center of excellence in Nigeria. The presence of a tree growing in the middle of a tennis court symbolized the systemic issues affecting the institute.

Shaibu attributed much of the blame for the institute’s decline to the Federal Ministry of Sports, stating that previous ministers failed to prioritize NIS despite its crucial role in Nigeria’s sports development. He said the ministry bears a significant portion of the responsibility for the institute’s decay, as the status quo remained unchanged for too long.

The NIS, originally envisioned as a world-class facility for training coaches and elite athletes, is now undergoing a transformation under Shaibu’s leadership. He revealed a 10-year plan to revamp the institute, which includes introducing new courses, merging obsolete ones, and enhancing the institute’s online presence. The plan was reviewed by a 32-member committee to ensure its effectiveness.

Shaibu announced the introduction of executive courses and a course for scouting players, as well as plans to revive paramedic services and introduce sports physiotherapy. He emphasized the importance of training coaches and athletes locally, criticizing the practice of sending athletes abroad for training despite the availability of a 200-bed facility in Abuja.

Shaibu expressed his commitment to collaborating with the private sector and the National Sports Commission to elevate the NIS as a leader in sports development in Africa. He also affirmed the institute’s readiness to partner with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to advance the sports sector.