The International Olympic Committee has partnered with the Nigerian Olympic Committee to deliver an advanced gender-inclusive governance course in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen women’s leadership and institutional reform across Nigerian sport, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The three-day programme, supported by Olympic Solidarity, will take place from March 23 to March 25 at the Media Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
According to the NOC announcement on Tuesday, it is designed for former female athletes and women currently serving on the boards of national sports federations, with a focus on improving governance standards and expanding female representation in decision-making roles.
The initiative forms part of broader sports reform efforts aimed at aligning Nigeria’s structures with global governance standards.
NOC said it reflects a commitment to building transparent, accountable and inclusive systems capable of sustaining long-term development.
The President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, will formally declare the course open. He said sustainable sports development depends on credible and inclusive leadership structures.
“Institutional reform requires competent and inclusive leadership. By investing in the capacity of women leaders, we are strengthening governance, improving compliance with international standards, and reinforcing the foundation for sustainable sports development in Nigeria,” Gumel said.
The curriculum will be delivered under the IOC’s global educational framework and is based on the IOC Sports Administration Course manual. Participants will undergo internationally recognised training covering governance reform, strategic planning, financial oversight, organisational accountability, ethical leadership, safeguarding principles, policy implementation and institutional management.
Beyond classroom instruction, the course is also expected to provide a platform for mentorship and peer collaboration, enabling participants to build networks and share experiences. The objective is to cultivate a new generation of women leaders capable of influencing policy, improving institutional effectiveness and driving strategic progress within their respective federations.
The Nigerian Olympic Committee reiterated its resolve to align national sports governance with evolving international benchmarks and to work closely with government agencies and stakeholders to improve board diversity and leadership performance.
