Akwa Ibom hosts first NIS executive coaching certificate graduation outside Lagos

Spread the word Akwa Ibom state has hosted the first graduation of the National Institute for Sports’ (NIS) newly introduced Executive Coaching Certificate Programme outside Lagos, marking a step towards expanding access to professional coaching education in Nigeria.

The graduation ceremony, which held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, celebrated 107 participants who completed the eight-week coaching programme organised by the NIS in partnership with Raytiding Consulting Limited and in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association. Blueprint reports

The Director-General of the NIS, Philip Shaibu, described the event as a milestone in the institute’s 52-year history, explaining that the programme was initially expected to commence in Lagos before the decision was taken to hold the first training cycle in Akwa Ibom.

The distinction is that Uyo hosted the inaugural graduation of the newly introduced programme outside Lagos, rather than the first-ever NIS coaching training or graduation outside the city.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shaibu commended Akwa Ibom State for hosting the programme and said the initiative was part of efforts to extend professional coaching education to more parts of the country.

He described the graduands as pioneers of the new programme and expressed confidence that they would apply the knowledge acquired to improve football development, particularly at the grassroots.

According to him, strengthening the capacity of local coaches is essential to developing young talents and improving the quality of players produced in Nigeria.

Shaibu said the institute was working to expand its presence across the country, including through offices in the six geopolitical zones and plans to establish additional state offices.

He urged the graduands to become worthy ambassadors of the institute by putting their training into practice and using their experience to nurture promising athletes.

The programme was designed to equip participants with foundational coaching knowledge and practical skills, while improving their ability to organise training sessions and support the development of footballers.

One of the highlights of the graduation was the recognition of 15-year-old Unwana Unwana Udoma as the youngest trained coach in the history of the NIS.

Samuel Umoh emerged as the best graduating student, earning recognition for his performance during the programme.

In his valedictory speech, Umoh expressed appreciation to the NIS leadership, Raytiding Consulting Limited, the Akwa Ibom State Government, the state football association, facilitators and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the training.

He encouraged his fellow graduands to continue acquiring knowledge and apply the foundation provided by the course to improve coaching standards and grassroots football development.

Umoh said the participants had a responsibility to demonstrate the value of their training by contributing meaningfully to the growth of the game in their respective communities.

The graduation brought together aspiring and practising coaches, sports administrators and other stakeholders interested in strengthening the technical capacity of Nigeria’s sports sector.

Governor Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Paul Bassey, congratulated the graduands and commended the NIS for bringing the training programme to Akwa Ibom.

He said the initiative aligned with the state government’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on manpower development and sports growth.

Eno encouraged the newly trained coaches to use their knowledge to improve the football ecosystem not only in Akwa Ibom but across Nigeria.

He also assured the graduands that his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at developing sports and producing qualified personnel.

The governor further commended the collaboration between the NIS, Raytiding Consulting Limited and the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, noting the importance of partnerships in building capacity within the sports sector.

The wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, represented by Eunice Thomas, expressed delight at the graduation and urged the participants to pursue excellence in their chosen careers.

She encouraged them to explore opportunities within the sports industry and build on the knowledge acquired during the programme.

Other dignitaries at the event included Akwa Ibom State Football Association Chairman Samuel Umoh, NIS Registrar Belmond Benson, Institute Librarian Omoh Atsenokhia, Programme Coordinator Abdulrasheed Oyakhire and NIS Bursar Oluohun O. Nyakno.

Also present were Raytiding Consulting Limited Managing Director and institute consultant Majoroh Uruemu, Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Chairman Nsibiet John, CAF/FIFA instructor Monday Odigie and former Nigeria Football Federation board member representing the South-South, Nse Essien, alongside members of the state football association board.

Several individuals were also acknowledged for sponsoring the participation of some graduands. They included Chris Ekong, Paul Bassey, Adede Kufre Inima, Ukeme Ukpong, Uwem Umoh, Best Umoh, Paul Omamomo, Ikono Local Government Area Chairman Oto-Obong Okon Essien and Eno Etukudo.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the graduands.

While the event marks the first graduation of the new Executive Coaching Certificate Programme outside Lagos, its wider significance lies in the NIS’s effort to make coaching education more accessible and strengthen the pool of trained personnel available to develop football talent at the grassroots.

The impact of the initiative will ultimately depend on how the graduands apply their training in clubs, academies and communities, as well as the institute’s ability to sustain similar programmes across other parts of the country.