Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, has taken a significant step toward expanding his role in the sporting world by enrolling as a student of Sports Management at the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in Lagos. Yobo says the move is driven by his desire to gain formal knowledge and certification as a competent sports administrator.
Speaking during a classroom visit by the NIS Advisory Committee on Monday, the former international footballer emphasized the importance of structured learning in complementing his experience as a player and coach.
“From my background as a former player and a coach, I want to have the requisite experience and certification in sports management and administration,” Yobo said. “As a sports person, there is no knowledge too small. I need to widen my mindset through this school.”
The inspection tour, led by NIS Director General Philip Shaibu, covered key facilities of the 51-year-old institute, including the library, hostels, gymnasiums, and conference rooms. The tour also included a stop at Yobo’s classroom, where he and fellow students shared their aspirations and motivations for enrolling at the NIS.
One such student, Abiodun Ajayi, expressed a passion for reviving grassroots volleyball in Nigeria, particularly at the secondary school level.
“It has been a while since we’ve had grassroots development for volleyball. I want to bring my skills and knowledge to nurture the youths to stardom,” he said.
Another student, Akpan Charity of the Cross River State Sports Commission, said her goal was to gain formal recognition as a certified sports manager.
“I already have some knowledge of kickboxing, but I need the official certification, which is why I’m here,” she explained.
Similarly, Ariyo Olayiwola noted his intention to go beyond surface-level understanding and dive deep into the fundamentals of sports management.
“Though I have a peripheral knowledge of sports management, NIS is the best platform to learn the intricacies and apply them professionally,” he stated.
Responding to feedback from the students, Mr. Shaibu acknowledged the need for more practical exposure as part of the training experience at the institute. He assured that the management would now place greater emphasis on internships and hands-on learning, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.
The enthusiasm from Yobo and his peers reflects a growing recognition of the importance of professional training in sports administration, as Nigeria continues to seek improvements in the management and development of its sporting ecosystem.