Chioma Vivian James
Abuja, July 16, 2026 — The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), His Excellency Philip Shaibu, has reaffirmed his commitment to human capital development and media empowerment by awarding scholarships to three members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, for the Institute’s Basic Certificate Course.
The beneficiaries—Princess Joy Omagha Idam, Odion Abdulrazak Musa, and Okoro Chukwudi—are currently participating in the programme at the Athletes Development Centre in Abuja, where full academic activities have officially resumed. The programme is also running simultaneously at two other strategic centres in Edo and Kaduna States.
The scholarship award underscores the Director General’s unwavering commitment to capacity building and his recognition of the vital role journalists play in advancing sports development in Nigeria. It also reflects the renewed vision of the National Institute for Sports under the leadership of Philip Shaibu to expand access to quality sports education, strengthen professional competencies, and foster closer collaboration between the sports sector and the media. 8
By extending this opportunity to media practitioners, the Institute is helping to equip journalists with specialized knowledge and skills that will enhance the quality of sports reporting while contributing to the overall growth of the nation’s sports industry.
Reacting to the development, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, expressed profound appreciation to the Director General for fulfilling his promise.
He described the scholarships as a clear demonstration of integrity, visionary leadership, and a genuine commitment to empowering journalists through education and professional development.
According to Comrade Ojo, the initiative will further enhance the knowledge and competence of media practitioners covering the sports sector while strengthening the cordial relationship between the National Institute for Sports and the Correspondents’ Chapel.
He also assured the Institute of the Chapel’s continued support in promoting its programmes, initiatives, and achievements to the public.
The NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel congratulates the scholarship beneficiaries and commends the management of the National Institute for Sports for this laudable initiative.
The Chapel expressed confidence that the programme will make a significant contribution to advancing sports journalism and accelerating sports development across Nigeria.
