The University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the National Institute for Sports (NIS), has reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening sports education and capacity building in Nigeria through a strategic partnership aimed at expanding academic programmes and developing the country’s sports sector.

They stressed that the National Institute for Sports was committed to pursuing sustainable reforms through strategic partnerships.

The commitment was disclosed in Abuja, during a strategic meeting between the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, and the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the two institutions and promote sports education, research and human capital development.

Speaking during the meeting, Omoregie said the engagement was driven by the mutual respect and productive relationship between UNIBEN and the National Institute for Sports, adding that the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for sports development.

He noted that the university was proud to be associated with the institute, stressing that the collaboration had received the necessary approvals following engagements between both institutions.

Omoregie said: “The collaboration between the University of Benin and the National Institute for Sports has received the necessary approval following our engagements. We are proud to be associated with NIS because the Ministry has a clear mandate that aligns with the goals of the University of Benin, and we are happy to partner with the Institute.”

The Vice-Chancellor commended Shaibu for what he described as the remarkable transformation recorded at the Athletes’ Development Centre within a short period.

According to him, the partnership would strengthen the capacity of accredited university staff through training in fitness and health while positioning the National Institute for Sports as a national hub for capacity building.

Omoregie, who disclosed that he is a member of the ministerial committee reviewing the sports curriculum in Nigerian universities, said the committee was working to reposition sports education beyond physical fitness into a viable business capable of creating employment opportunities.

He added, “Our goal is to change the face of sports education, not only as a system for physical fitness but also as a business that can provide employment opportunities for the vast majority of Africans.

“We believe that, in a few years’ time, this partnership will leave a lasting legacy for all of us and for our country. We pray that God will continue to guide us in this venture.”

He added that the committee was seeking partnerships to consolidate the national agenda for sports development and assured that it was ready to deploy existing and future facilities to achieve shared objectives.

In his remarks, Shaibu expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the management of the University of Benin for their support in facilitating the partnership.

Shaibu said: “You did not only extend goodwill to us, but you also secured approval for our collaboration and provided us with a facility within your institution. This is one of the major landmarks that will outlive our tenure.

“We are determined to develop the National Institute for Sports, but we will do so strategically and sustainably. The partnership framework between NIS and the University of Benin has been firmly established to deliver meaningful results.”

The NIS Director-General disclosed that, as part of the institute’s 10-year strategic development plan, full academic activities had already commenced in collaboration with the University of Benin.

According to him, the programmes include National Diploma courses, certificate programmes and coaching programmes designed to produce highly skilled professionals for Nigeria’s sports industry.

Shaibu also underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in driving national development, noting that partnerships such as the one between NIS and UNIBEN reflect the Federal Government’s vision for sustainable growth and nation-building under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He expressed confidence that the collaboration would deliver lasting benefits to both institutions while significantly contributing to the advancement of sports education and capacity development in Nigeria.

Congratulating the National Institute for Sports on the partnership, the Vice-Chancellor pledged the university’s commitment to faithfully implementing the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).