The current state of Nigeria’s premier sports academy, the National Institute for Sports, is anything but the citadel it ought to be.
A Crumbling Edifice
A facility whose core mission is centered on leading Nigeria’s advancement in sports through research, expounding ideas and the practical application of those ideas to give competitive edge to the nation’s athletes.
For a nation that boasts the largest convergence of the black race in Africa – with a clear abundance of talent – in recent times we’ve ever only managed to stumble on success in sports, rather than make deliberate leaps.
While the escape route for Sports Federations in the country has been talent migration – benefitting from facilities and novel techniques available abroad – the NIS gradually drifted into obscurity.
Today, the NIS is nothing but a glorified technical school that churns out graduates yearly – if it manages to.
What keeps the NIS running is the sheer grit and tenacity of the ‘students’ who alone carry the torch, while hoping that someday their hard work will pay off.
NIS Graduates take up odd jobs in what is now a regressive sports industry, and those who can’t, end up pursuing other interests outside of its ecosystem.
It is clear that the certification has but little credence; locally or internationally.
Presidential Intervention
Perhaps it is why the recent appointment of a new DG for the institute did not come as a surprise or maybe nobody really cares anymore.
On May 24, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment of Philip Shaibu, a former deputy governor of Edo State, to steer a moribund ship – from dock to open waters?
However, a major problem with political appointments in Nigerian sports is that the beneficiaries are hardly ever prepared or qualified for the roles bestowed, and this one does not inspire confidence.
Philip Shaibu might be competent with a few things, but rebuilding an institution rudderless, that has veered so far off from its mission is not a badge he has earned yet.
A football enthusiast, who has also championed pay parity for women in sports, Philip Shaibu was front and center of the revival of sports in Edo State, and for that he can take some credit.
Yet, the success was short-lived and what is obvious now is that the process was fundamentally flawed.
While sports globally is a multi-million industry in some African countries, with Nigeria it’s largely used for image laundering and at best CSR, and governments at various levels are guilty of it too.
One vivid instance was in November 2020 when Shaibu and the then NFF President, Amaju Pinnick laced boots, kitted up and broke protocol to join a Super Eagles’ official training session.
The kickabout was two days before an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.
The team’s top professionals – those based in Europe – were left bewildered by the poor judgment and lack of ethics.
Alas, they too were vilified following the result of the qualifier which ended 4-4.
What lessons did Shuaibu learn? Apparently not much because a few years down the line, he named himself in the squad of the state owned football club during a league match.
Today, without the paraphernalia of his political office, which comes with the privilege of deep pockets to cast away problems, how will the new NIS DG navigate a job that requires modern technocrats in an industry atrophied?
Renewed Hope?
Will the NIS truly assume its role as the beacon of sports development and growth in Nigeria, under the new leadership?
The task requires upgrading the institution’s syllabus for all courses, retraining lecturers, discuss and ratify partnerships with similar institutions, global sports Governing bodies and sports teams – home and abroad.
The NIS will also have to underscore its value through partnerships with local sports teams, federations and associations for the impact that must be actualized.
Redefining the role that the NIS must take-on is a task that cannot be overemphasized, but can its leadership deliver it and more?
