Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, has revealed that his decision to enrol at the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in Lagos was driven by a desire to become a certified and competent sports administrator.
Yobo, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Nigerian national football team, is now pursuing a formal qualification in Sports Management at Africa’s premier sports training institution.
Speaking during an inspection visit by the NIS Advisory Committee to his classroom on Monday, the former international defender said, “From my background as a former player and a coach, I want to have the requisite experience and certification in sports management and administration. I believe that as a sports person, there is no knowledge too small. I need to widen my mindset from the school.”
The 44-year-old, who captained Nigeria to its 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory, was seen attending lectures along with other students in the Sports Management programme.
The committee’s inspection, led by the Director-General of the institute, Philip Shaibu, covered key facilities including hostels, library, gymnasium, and conference rooms. The tour was part of ongoing efforts to assess academic and infrastructural progress within the 51-year-old institution.
Other students also shared their motivation for enrolling at NIS.
Abiodun Ajayi, a volleyball enthusiast, said his goal was to revive grassroots development for the sport. “It has been a while since we’ve had a grassroots development programme for volleyball, especially at the secondary level. I want to bring my skills and knowledge to nurture the youths to stardom,” he explained.
From the Cross River State Sports Commission, Akpan Charity said she was determined to back her professional role with formal credentials. “I want to be a certified sports manager, not just carry the title at work. I have some rudimentary knowledge of kickboxing, but I crave the requisite certification. That’s why I’m here,” she said.
Another student, Ariyo Olayiwola, noted the importance of understanding the technical aspects of sports administration. “Although I know it from the periphery, going deep into it, NIS is the best platform to learn how it can be done,” he said.
Responding to students’ concerns over limited internship opportunities, Director-General Shaibu assured them that the institute would strengthen the practical aspect of its curriculum to better prepare graduates for real-world challenges.
Founded in 1974, the National Institute for Sports is Nigeria’s foremost centre for sports education, offering academic and professional training for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators across Africa.
