Shaibu Urges Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration As NIS Produces Nigeria’s First Certified Marathon Medical Director

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has reiterated calls for enhanced collaboration among government agencies within the sports sector. He emphasised that synergy is crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s full potential in sports development.

Shaibu made these remarks during a media briefing alongside the Institute’s Medical Director, Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu. Dr. Ogbondeminu recently made history as Nigeria’s first certified marathon race medical director after successfully completing a rigorous international certification programme in Spain.

During the session, the Director General stressed that inter-governmental collaboration is not merely desirable but essential, providing practical examples of how partnerships can yield results. He specifically commended the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Lady Bianca Ojukwu for their intervention in facilitating visa arrangements, which enabled Dr. Ogbondeminu’s participation in the certification programme in Spain.

“This is why collaboration among government institutions is essential. Without that support, this milestone may not have been possible,” he stated.

However, the NIS Boss expressed concern regarding the lack of institutional support from key agencies within the sports ecosystem. He noted that the NIS has largely relied on internal efforts and private partnerships to sustain its programmes, despite its pivotal role in sports development.

He explained that while the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the NIS are the three primary sports parastatals in the country, their functions require better alignment for optimal performance. While the NFF focuses on football and the NSC oversees general sports administration, the NIS, he clarified, remains the nation’s specialist institution responsible for the training and certification of athletes across various disciplines.

“The NIS is not just an academic institution; it is both academic and professional. We train, certify, and build capacity for athletes and sports personnel. That role must be fully recognised and integrated into national sports planning,” he asserted.

The Director General revealed that since assuming office, efforts to convene formal engagements with the NSC and NFF have not fully materialised, despite repeated attempts. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism, highlighting a recent breakthrough in collaboration with the NFF, particularly in aligning NIS programmes with CAF B coaching certification standards.

“Our technical teams are already working. We want to see NIS certification align with CAF B standards, so that our graduates remain globally competitive,” he added.

He reiterated that all government agencies operate within a unified system and must function cohesively, irrespective of administrative hurdles. “I understand the system, but I will continue to push until collaboration works. We have all been entrusted with responsibilities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we must deliver.”

The Director General noted the strategic importance of sport in national development, observing that the President’s vision to utilise sport as a vehicle for unity, youth engagement, and economic diversification can only be achieved through coordinated efforts. He stressed that productively engaging young people through sport would significantly reduce idleness and insecurity.

Highlighting the significance of Dr. Sam’s achievement, Shaibu described it as a major milestone for Nigeria’s sports medicine landscape. He lamented that in the past, the country had to rely on foreign expertise for such roles but expressed confidence that this new development signals the beginning of self-sufficiency.

“I am a team player, and my goal is simple: to ensure that the system works. When it fails, we must take responsibility, not deflect it. At the NIS, we have commenced the work, and very soon, we will begin to see even greater results,” he said.

In his remarks, Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu recounted his journey to certification, revealing that the opportunity arose when the Director General encouraged him to apply as medical director for the Okpekpe International Road Race. He explained that meeting the requirements necessitated undergoing a three-stage certification programme in Madrid.

According to him, the process was demanding and, at one point, nearly derailed due to logistical challenges. However, support from the Okpekpe race organisers and the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensured that he was able to complete the programme successfully.

With this achievement, Nigeria now boasts a certified marathon medical director, a development expected to bolster the country’s capacity to host and manage international road races with improved medical standards.

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