The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, has commended the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, for the remarkable transformation of the institute’s Athletes’ Development Centre in Abuja.
Professor Omoregie made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the NIS Athletes’ Development Centre as part of efforts to deepen the partnership between the University of Benin and the sports institute.
The UNIBEN Vice-Chancellor said the visit was a demonstration of the strong relationship between both institutions, adding that the collaboration would contribute significantly to the advancement of sports education, research and athlete development in Nigeria.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded at the centre under Shaibu’s leadership, describing the transformation as a clear indication of the commitment to repositioning the NIS for greater impact.
Professor Omoregie said the University of Benin was proud to be associated with the institute, noting that the partnership aligns with the objectives of the Federal Ministry responsible for sports and UNIBEN’s commitment to academic excellence.
“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,” he said.
Responding, the NIS Director-General, Comrade Philip Shaibu, expressed appreciation to Professor Omoregie and the management of UNIBEN for their support and commitment to the partnership.
Shaibu noted that the university’s contribution, including granting access to facilities and securing approval for the collaboration, represented a major milestone with lasting benefits that would extend beyond the tenure of the current leadership of both institutions.
“You not only extended 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,” Shaibu stated.
The NIS boss reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing the institute through strategic, sustainable initiatives, stressing that the partnership with UNIBEN had laid a strong foundation for achieving meaningful results.
He disclosed that, as part of the NIS 10-year strategic development plan, the institute had commenced full academic activities in collaboration with the University of Benin.
According to him, the programmes currently being offered include National Diploma courses, certificate programmes and coaching programmes designed to strengthen sports education and professional development.
Shaibu also emphasised the importance of institutional partnerships in driving national growth, noting that collaborations such as the one between NIS and UNIBEN align with the vision of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for sustainable development and nation-building.
The visit further reinforced both institutions’ commitment to promoting excellence in sports education, capacity building, research, and athlete development through continued cooperation.
