NIS, Judiciary Sports Body Forge Partnership To Boost Fitness, Institutional Reforms

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has expressed readiness to collaborate with the National Sports Association for Judiciary (NSAJ) to promote physical fitness, research and professional training among members of Nigeria’s judiciary.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Philip Shaibu, made the pledge while receiving officials of the judiciary sports body during a courtesy visit to the institute.

Shaibu, a former deputy governor of Edo State, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the institute’s management and staff, stressing the importance of physical fitness for professionals across all sectors, including the judiciary.

According to him, the demanding nature of judicial work requires not only mental sharpness but also physical wellbeing.

Drawing from personal experience, Shaibu recalled his own involvement in sports, revealing that he once played football against a Court of Appeal team and also participated in inter-ministerial competitions in Abuja during his time with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before joining the Nigeria Prison Service.

“I can attest to the fact that the judiciary is not just about carrying files. Fitness is very critical, and I know the judiciary has never taken it for granted,” he said. “We are ready to partner with you in research and training because the relationship between NIS and the judiciary will be beneficial to both sectors.”

Shaibu noted that ongoing reforms at the National Institute for Sports align with the policy direction of Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that the institute is restructuring its academic curriculum to strengthen capacity building in the sports sector, including the introduction of physiotherapy programmes and expanded training for paramedics.

According to him, physiotherapy is not only crucial for athletes but also valuable for professionals across different sectors of society, including members of the judiciary.

Shaibu also called for a new approach to sports development in Nigeria, arguing that the country’s vast talent pool must be harnessed through proper planning and institutional reforms.

“We are too big and too talented as a country to keep hoping for miracles whenever we go for major competitions,” he said. “Those entrusted with the responsibility of developing sports must think outside the box and take ownership of the task.”

He added that efforts are underway to transform the NIS into a centre of excellence in sports education and research.

Earlier, President of the National Sports Association for Judiciary, Sunday Ndah, commended Shaibu for his contributions to sports development, particularly during his tenure as deputy governor of Edo State.

Ndah highlighted Shaibu’s role in supporting Bendel Insurance FC and reforming the Edo State Sports Commission, describing the efforts as evidence of his commitment to advancing the sports sector.

He explained that the judiciary sports body, established in 1994 under the leadership of former Chief Justice of Nigeria Mohammed Bello, coordinates sporting activities for judicial officers across the country.

The association also organises the annual Chief Justice of Nigeria Sports Competition, which brings together members of the judiciary nationwide.

Ndah said the visit to the NIS was aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving the organisation of future judicial sports tournaments.

He added that the association had previously held consultations with the National Sports Commission as part of broader stakeholder engagement to enhance the quality and impact of judicial sporting activities across the country.

Ndah further noted that many members of the legal profession actively participate in sports, with some having represented Nigeria in national teams, underscoring the importance of fitness within the judiciary.