Akwa Ibom state has marked a significant milestone in its sports development journey by hosting the first graduation of the National Institute for Sports' (NIS) Executive Coaching Certificate Programme outside Lagos. The ceremony, which took place on October 28, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, celebrated 107 participants who completed the eight-week coaching programme. The programme was organised by the NIS in partnership with Raytiding Consulting Limited and in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association.
The Director-General of the NIS, Philip Shaibu, described the event as a milestone in the institute's 52-year history. He 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. Shaibu expressed confidence that the graduands would apply the knowledge acquired to improve football development, particularly at the grassroots. He also emphasised the importance of strengthening the capacity of local coaches to develop young talents and improve the quality of players produced in Nigeria.
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.
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.
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, and Institute Librarian Omoh Atsenokhia.
The graduation brought together aspiring and practising coaches, sports administrators and other stakeholders interested in strengthening the technical capacity of Nigeria's sports sector. Several individuals were also acknowledged for sponsoring the participation of some graduands. The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the graduands. 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.
Key points
- The National Institute for Sports' Executive Coaching Certificate Programme aims to strengthen the capacity of local coaches to develop young talents and improve the quality of players produced in Nigeria.
- The programme was organised in partnership with Raytiding Consulting Limited and in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association.
- 107 participants graduated from the programme, including 15-year-old Unwana Unwana Udoma, recognised as the youngest trained coach in the history of the NIS.
